The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne)

In the span of a quarter hour, Colin had awakened on the bed, his eyes opening to find Vivienne seated beside him. He blinked in confusion. "Ms. Hawthorn, what brings you here...?" Vivienne motioned for him to stay still, mentioning that the effects of the acupuncture needles hadn't fully worn off yet.

Glancing down, Colin noticed the needles and was momentarily puzzled. "Ms. Hawthorn, what happened to me?"

As Vivienne carefully removed the needles, she informed him, "The poison in your system has been neutralized." "Neutralized?"

The shock was evident on Colin's face, followed quickly by a somber realization. "Did something happen to that man?"

Vivienne didn't beat around the bush. "Declan has taken his own life. You won't have to worry about the poison's backlash anymore."

Unable to fully articulate his feelings, Colin's body clearly relayed the relief of no longer facing such torment.

Gathering his composure, he expressed his gratitude, "I owe you a great deal, Ms. Hawthorn. Without you, I might have been long gone, not here to see this day."

Vivienne, unembarrassed by his thanks, inquired about his future plans.

Gazing out at the sunlight filtering through the window, Colin sighed, "I haven't decided yet. Maybe after I recover, I'll leave Rivenwood. If Winston Wright is willing, I might take him with me." His glance towards Vivienne was probing, curious about her reaction.

However, Vivienne remained composed, subtly asking, "Aren't you interested in restoring the Wright family?"

This caught Colin off guard. "What do you mean by that, Ms. Hawthorn?"

As she packed away the needles, Vivienne shared her hope for Colin to take over the Wright family, now that Declan was gone and the family's position had been vacant for a while. Sensing there was more to her request, Colin probed further, "Is there something you need, Ms. Hawthorn?"

Vivienne nodded, asking for his help in finding someone connected to Abigail and Declan, making it clear that the choice was his to make.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Colin, feeling indebted to Vivienne for saving his life, agreed to assist her.

Vivienne handed him a ring, signifying membership in the Nine Mystics Society, which he could use to seek help if needed.

Taking the ring, Colin was momentarily lost in thought, aware of the society's significance but surprised to discover Vivienne's influential role within it.

He accepted the ring, his gratitude extending beyond simple thanks.

Vivienne outlined her need for someone to watch over the shadows in the name of the Wright family until the person of interest surfaced.

"If you prefer to live elsewhere, arrangements will be made. But remember, the Nine Mystics Society has no place for those with ill intentions," she warned gravely.

Colin assured her of his loyalty, understanding the gravity of her words.

Before leaving, Vivienne mentioned that Winston was currently not suited to return to the Wright family but Colin could visit him anytime by contacting the Linklater family. Grateful for her consideration for Winston's safety, Colin thanked her profoundly.

As Vivienne departed, Leopold, who had been eavesdropping, scoffed at Colin's deference, disliking his apparent weakness.

Vivienne, noticing Leopold's fixed stare and his sudden change in demeanor when she addressed him, ignored his muttered complaints about her decision to involve Colin in the Nine Mystics Society. Their conversation on the way back touched upon the necessity of Colin's role in stabilizing the situation, with Vivienne firmly believing no one else was better suited for the task at hand. Leopold choked on his words.

He had his own pile of mess back

home. Daring to meddle in someone else's affairs would surely bring the wrath of the old man and the

patriarch down upon him. Thow net

barge in, break his legs, and force him to spend three days and nights in the family chapel to remember who he was and where his loyalties lay.

When Vivienne got out of the car, she left Leopold with a task.

"Send a message to the Watsons. Tell them their enemy is dead, their vendetta fulfilled."

Leopold nodded firmly. "Consider it done."

Watching the car drive away, Vivienne entered the Linklater mansion.

The living room.

Yorick was entertaining two toddlers, their innocent faces glowing as they lay in their cribs, giggling at the old man teasing them with a feather.

Their eyes sparkled with mischief, occasionally reaching out their tiny hands in response to Yorick's antics, making him laugh with joy.

"Grandpa."

Vivienne made her presence known, walking towards the heartwarming scene.

The once solemn living room had been transformed into a children's paradise, filled with toy cars and laughter.

It was a strange sight, yet the old man found it beautiful. Who would dare say otherwise?

Yorick had adopted the belief that children should bask in the sunlight and breathe fresh air for healthy growth, Kence he made it a habit to bring the toddlers into the sun-filled living room every day, playing until they fell asleep before anyone could take them back.

Thankfully, the weather was warming up, and the children seemed to enjoy their playtime. "Vivienne's back."

Yorick turned and gestured towards her, smiling as he picked up one of the toddlers. "They're sleepy. I'll walk them around quietly, don't make a sound."

Vivienne sighed, thinking that a month was too soon for such indulgence. This pampering would surely lead the kids to develop a habit of sleeping only when held.

Approaching, she tried to reason with him. "Grandpa, you should take it easy. You're not young anymore, and constantly holding them isn't good for your back. Doesn't your back hurt?" Yorick immediately responded, "Not at all, not at all. Holding them makes me too happy to feel any pain."

Arthur joined in, overhearing the conversation. He almost snorted, "Your back doesn't hurt? Then who was it asking the butler for pain relief patches in the middle of the night? If one doesn't work, you ask for two..." NôvelDrama.Org content.