The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne) novel Chapter 788

They stepped out of the study, and the living room on both floors was devoid of Vivienne and her entourage.

As they left, they weren't even graced with a goodbye from the butler.

Not a single servant was there to see them off, and the pair left the house with stone-cold expressions on their faces.

As they reached the yard, they were confronted by a man whose presence was as imposing as Thor himself, an aura of intimidation that made others shrink in fear.

Victoria's eyes widened at the sight of him. Before Harrison could notice her recognition, she quickly feigned confusion and even turned to ask Harrison, "Who is that guy? He's so full of himself. Haven't I seen him on TV or something?"

Arthur was approaching from the distance. His image sharpened in Harrison's eyes, who suddenly murmured in shock, "War God?"

A figure idolized by the younger generation in Veridia.

Harrison, in his youth, had fantasized about the glory of the battlefield, and thus remembered Arthur's name and face with striking clarity. He had even taken pride in having laid eyes on the War God himself. But those days of youthful folly had faded as he matured into adulthood.

Yet, what was the War God doing at the Ellington estate? Did he know Richard?!

"War God?!" Victoria exclaimed in feigned surprise.

Her shrill voice caused Arthur, who was briskly passing by, to halt and focus his gaze on the duo.

His piercing stare softened when it landed on Victoria and then shifted back to Harrison. "Is Percival around?"

There was a momentary hitch in Harrison's breath. "War God, you're here to see Percival?"

Arthur nodded, and a flicker of shock—or was it envy?—crossed Harrison's eyes. After a brief pause, he said, "Mr. Ellington is indeed here, but he might not have the time to meet with you right now."

"No, wait—" Does this fool have any idea what he's babbling about?! Victoria was about to open her mouth to defend Percival when Harrison cast her a chilling glance, "Ms. Hawthorn is preoccupied with preparing for a court case the day after tomorrow, and Mr. Ellington is assisting. He doesn't even have a moment to spare for a chat with Victoria, his own cousin."

The implication was clear: even the revered War God should step aside in the face of family matters.

Arthur's eyebrows arched slightly as he turned on his heel, seeming to put his own concerns aside, now intrigued by the lawsuit Harrison mentioned. "What lawsuit?"

In the short walk from the study to the front entrance, Harrison had regained his usual composed demeanor. He nodded politely at Arthur before explaining, "Ms. Hawthorn stubbornly believes I'm guilty, swayed by slander. She's convinced I'm a murderer and is determined to sue on behalf of that woman, all because of some personal vendetta."

He sighed as if deeply troubled, "I came here today, out of respect for Richard, to persuade her to drop the lawsuit, not to be misled by deceit. But she wouldn't listen and even turned Victoria and me away, right, Victoria?"

Victoria remained silent.

What other tricks did Harrison have up his sleeve that she was unaware of?

She offered an awkward smile, not taking up the conversation.

She had plans with Vivienne and couldn't afford to falter now.

Facing Arthur's inquiring look, she raised her voice, feigning anger, "Enough! The trial is the day after tomorrow, and we need to get back to prepare our case! That Vivienne, the traitor! My mother is Percival's aunt, and if Vivienne won't respect Percival's wishes, why would she respect yours?"

Victoria didn't notice the shift in Arthur's expression, nor did she realize that her actions had just added another mark against Vivienne in Arthur's mental ledger: disrespectful, domineering, and stubborn – utterly lacking in decorum!

Had the entire Ellington family been cursed for doting so excessively on such a woman, granting her every privilege and right?