The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne) novel Chapter 693

Just two steps out the door, and Percival's deep voice halted him. "Come back."

Thomas froze mid-stride, protesting, "Percival, if we don't chase her down now, it'll be too late. We can't let Samantha get away again."

Percival helped Vivienne to her feet, casting a dismissive glance at Thomas. "We're withdrawing!"

"But..."

Before Thomas could finish, Percival shot him a look that silenced him immediately.

Thomas couldn't understand why! With so many of them against one, couldn't they snatch Samantha from that person's grasp?

Leopold was just as baffled, but he could sense the strength in their adversary. Maybe Percival's reluctance to pursue was because their lives were more valuable than capturing one Samantha.

The Nine Mystics Society didn't take orders from Percival.

Draven, looking toward Vivienne, inquired, "Young Master, shall we withdraw?"

Vivienne pulled two life-saving pills from her pocket, handing one to Percival and swallowing the other herself.

After ingesting her pill, she instructed Draven, "Everyone withdraw. Starting today, the Nine Mystics Society is on lockdown. No one leaves. Prepare our defenses."

Her words left Thomas and Leopold in a fog.

Samantha had escaped, and rather than chasing her down, they were ordered to prepare the Nine Mystics Society for defense.

What did this mean?

Draven, long accustomed to Vivienne's commands, understood her immediately, and with a grave expression, he confirmed, "Understood, Young Master. I'll initiate Level 2 Defense immediately."

Thomas and Leopold were utterly confused.

Level 2 Defense? What was that? Was there a fight brewing?

The apprentices from Emerald Mountain didn't question it; they trusted that Vivienne had her reasons.

Draven led the Nine Mystics Society members away without another word.

Seeing this, Thomas and Leopold resignedly passed on the order for the Nightfall Assembly to retreat as well.

The Emerald Mountain apprentices followed suit.

Now, only Vivienne, Percival, Thomas, and Leopold remained.

The life-saving pill was working its magic on Vivienne, rapidly healing her. This was the new and improved version she had recently developed, with the help of research from ST-1, far more effective than her original formula.

Vivienne turned to Percival with a smirk. "Mr. Wolf, we've failed again."

Percival took her hand, his stern face showing no sign of anger over Samantha's escape, and he smiled. "Indeed, we have. Let's head back and grab a bite to eat."

"Yeah. All this running around has made me starve."

With that, Vivienne and Percival headed out.

Thomas and Leopold exchanged looks before reluctantly following.

Outside the villa, Vivienne glanced back with a soft sigh, "Such a beautiful house, what a pity."

Then, she casually tossed the miniature bomb she'd acquired from Samantha and shouted, "Run!"

Percival, anticipating her move, grabbed her and sprinted off.

Thomas and Leopold were a step behind but still dashed away at top speed.

"Boom!"