The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne) novel Chapter 564

Vivienne cradled her mug of steaming coffee, the vaporous tendrils partially veiling her eyes, adding a touch of mystery to her gaze.

Diana's message to Vivienne was crystal clear: "Remember your place. You're nothing more than an adopted granddaughter, not even by blood. Don't get too comfortable thinking you're one of us."

She was staking her claim as the Perez family's one and only darling daughter, warning Vivienne to stay in her lane.

How ironic. Who was really trying to prove they belong?

Vivienne chuckled. "I've never been one to hold back around Grandpa. You needn't worry on my behalf."

Diana let out a few forced laughs, sipping her coffee to mask her insecurity.

This Vivienne, she was certainly not one to mince words!

When Zelda and Percival arrived, the dinner table buzzed with their lively conversation. Diana, often finding herself on the periphery, could only offer a strained smile.

The meal passed with her in relative silence.

When it came time to settle the bill, Percival, the only gentleman present, had already discreetly taken care of it. It would not do to have the ladies pay.

Diana, pleased but pretending to chide, said, "I said this one was on me. Next time, you mustn't sneak ahead of me."

Zelda rolled her eyes in private disdain. She could not stand Diana's pettiness.

A meal's cost was hardly worth remembering, was it not?

With the evening advancing, Zelda and Diana bid farewell to Vivienne and Percival.

On the drive back, Percival mentioned, "Leopold's headed to Sea City to take over for Thomas. He's already on his way."

Vivienne acknowledged with a nonchalant, "Expected."

Percival, hands on the wheel, was still puzzling over Vance's agenda. What was he really after?

It was a matter of the mission, and neither Leopold nor Percival would discuss it openly.

Vivienne shifted to a more comfortable position, musing, "Vance sending Leopold to assist Griffin... Could it be related to the ancient warrior lineage?"

"Maybe?"

Vivienne peered out the window. The recent events were complex, but undeniably, everything seemed to revolve around this ancient warrior lineage. Just how deep did the waters of this enigmatic, vast organization run?

As Percival pulled up to Vivienne's place, headlights flashed from the opposite direction—a car she recognized as Maddox's.

Vivienne and Percival exchanged a surprised glance, neither expecting Maddox to show up there.

Vivienne approached the car, "Uncle, what brings you here?"

Maddox opened the door. "Get in. We need to talk."

Percival, sensing the seriousness, drove off after watching Vivienne join Maddox.

Maddox drove them to a posh, unfamiliar villa neighborhood, searching for a bit before finding the place.

"Uncle, where are we?" Vivienne inquired.

"Just an old property I bought. Got a bit lost finding it. Dad never wanted to live in such a place, so we let it go to waste. Ah, but I remember the house number and the code," Maddox said as he unlocked the door. "Come on in."