The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne) novel Chapter 715

Vivienne took several deep breaths before delivering a resounding slap to the back of Brian's head. "Go run laps around the entire institute! And guess what? You've just earned yourself the honor of cleaning duty for the next two months!"

She then turned her attention to Brody who looked as if he'd seen a ghost.

With a swift motion, he sprung to his feet and dashed out, his complexion ashen as he passed his colleagues who could easily spot his pallor.

Brian clambered up from the floor. "What a coward. I mean, Vivienne's stunning. What's there to be afraid of?"

His voice wasn't loud, but in the eerie silence of the institute, even an ant's footsteps would have echoed.

Everyone, including Leopold, froze for a second, glancing at Vivienne’s reaction.

Leopold gulped before venturing, "Is it possible that, uh, they're actually afraid of you?"

Meanwhile, Percival had approached Vivienne's side. "Come on, don't waste your breath here. Let's get out of here."

...

On the approach to the grand Ellington Mansion.

"Are you sure this is where Vivienne lives?"

Victoria sat in the car, surveying the distant property.

The scale and setting were on par with the top noble houses, and she'd heard Vivienne was the granddaughter-in-law of the owner of the mansion.

No wonder she'd been so bold the other day.

The bodyguard pointed toward the distant Ellington estate. "That's Ms. Hawthorn's in-laws' place. The road there leads to the bridal suite of Ms. Hawthorn and her husband. This route is a must-pass for them."

Victoria, unsure whether she felt bitter or something else, had initially wanted to step out for a stroll, but her good mood had vanished in an instant.

After what seemed like an eternity of waiting, just as Victoria's patience was wearing thin for the tenth time, another car finally appeared in the distance.

Her interest waned until she lazily asked, "Whose car is that?"

The bodyguard, having already scoped out Percival's ride, squinted for a better look and confirmed it was indeed the Ellington family's car, a rare hint of pleasure crossing his stoic face.

He opened the car door. "Miss, it's Mr. Ellington and Ms. Hawthorn."

"They're here?" Victoria's drowsy mind suddenly snapped to attention. As she stepped out of her car, Percival was already bringing his to a halt.

"It's her." Through the windshield, Vivienne recognized Victoria instantly.

Percival regarded the familiar face and asked, "You know her?"

Vivienne glanced at him and nodded. "She's the Abernathy family's daughter, Victoria—the one I told you about."

As they spoke, Victoria was already by the car. "Ms. Hawthorn, I need a word with you, if you don't mind stepping out."

Vivienne rolled down the window and replied indifferently, "If you've got something to say, say it here. We're in a bit of a rush."

"You woman, have you no manners?" Her eyes flicked to Percival, her voice indignant. "For heaven's sake, you're set to be the lady of the Ellington family. Didn't Richard teach you anything about decency?"

Vivienne leaned on the window frame. "And how is that your concern?"