The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne)

Leopold's smirk was loaded with sarcasm, "So, you really have a thing for Vivienne."

Connor narrowed his eyes, his emotions hidden, "If I like someone, I go after them openly. Why would I hide my feelings?"

Leopold rolled his eyes internally, "I'd advise you to give up now. Vivienne's not into your type at all. She'll never fall for you!"

Connor's reply stopped Leopold in his tracks, "Not everything has to be declared to the world. I just know when she needs me, I'll be there." "You" Leopold was so frustrated he could almost spit blood.

Where does this guy get his confidence from?

Does Vivienne even know?

The school bell rang, and someone whispered something to Connor. He glanced at Leopold, gave a slight smile, and walked away. That smile seemed like a challenge.

Leopold was fuming. Without hesitation, he pulled out his phone and dialed Dawson, "Dawson, where are you? I've got something to tell you!" Dawson was busy on the other end, "Make it quick. If it's nothing important, I'm hanging up. Don't disturb me at work."

Leopold clenched his teeth, "Someone's shamelessly chasing after Vivienne!"

Dawson paused, even more infuriated than Leopold, "What? Who dares to mess with Vivienne? I'll cut him down!"Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

"It's obviously..."

Leopold glanced around to make sure the coast was clear before whispering into the phone, "Where are you? I'll tell you in person."

Dawson immediately sent over his location.

It was his office in the city center.

Leopold checked his phone and then drove towards the city center at full speed.

He knew Vivienne and Percival's relationship better than anyone.

With Percival gone, he had to protect Vivienne.

And it definitely couldn't be Connor.

From the first moment he met Connor, Leopold felt a chill down his spine.

To elevate an unknown family to the top ranks of Rivenwood in just five years, not to mention the hidden martial prowess, who knows what shady dealings he might have been involved in? Just the thought made Leopold uneasy.

Moreover, as a man, he couldn't stand Connor's affectionate demeanor toward Vivienne.

Hmph, as if he's worthy?

At 3:30 PM outside the nursery school.

As their classmates were picked up one by one, only they remained.

Where's their godfather?

Gone missing!

Isaiah's feet were numb from standing as he dialed Leopold using his smartwatch.

After more than a minute, no answer.

Juliette, anxious, caught Isaiah hanging up and asked, "No answer?"

Isaiah nodded.

Two calls and no response.

It was pointless to keep trying.

Their teacher, Kiera, approached them with an equally worried expression, "Juliette, Isaiah, what's going on with your godfather? Not answering calls or texts, this is really irresponsible!" Juliette, already frustrated, retorted, "You're right, he's completely unreliable!"

Kiera was taken aback, realizing the issue was with the adults and not the kids, "Okay, let me try calling your parents."

Isaiah interjected, "No need, they won't be able to come."

"Why not?"

Kiera was confused, facing two kids who seemed more mature than some adults she knew.

Isaiah explained calmly, "One's abroad, the other's missing."

Kiera was speechless.

Abroad she could understand, but missing?

Juliette saw the curiosity on Kiera's face and blinked, "That's right, we've never seen my dad since we can remember."

Kiera's expression showed shock, then guilt, "I.. I didn't know about your situation. I'm sorry. Let me try your godfather again, maybe he's just caught up."

She stepped aside and began bombarding Leopold with messages.

Juliette, puzzled by Kiera's sudden change of attitude, turned to Isaiah, "Why is Kiera apologizing? It's not like dad's gone forever. We'll find him someday." Isaiah didn't respond but softly agreed upon hearing the last part.

Minutes later, Kiera returned with her phone, "Got through to him. He mixed up the times but is on his way now."

Juliette and Isaiah exchanged glances.

When it comes to being unreliable, their godfather took the crown.

Upon Leopold's arrival, he was caught in a traffic jam. Deciding to proceed on foot, he waved from across the street.

Juliette spotted him immediately, "Godfather!"

As she ran over, a motorcycle zoomed past on the sidewalk, beeping loudly.

In a critical moment, a strong pair of arms safely scooped her away from danger.

By the time she looked up, the figure had vanished.

"Juliette, are you okay?" Leopold rushed over, checking her for injuries. Confirming she was unharmed, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.

That moment had terrified him more than anything.

The teacher and Isaiah caught up, relieved to find everyone safe.

Isaiah's face was noticeably pale.

With Mom not around, it was his duty to keep an eye on Juliette!

After being thoroughly checked over by Leopold, spinning her around in a full 360-degree examination, Juliette finally snapped to reality, fixing her gaze on him, "Godfather, someone saved me just now. Where did he go?"

"Someone? What do you mean?"

Leopold was taken aback.

He hadn't noticed anyone there!

"There was definitely someone in black who saved me just now, he even... Huh?"

Juliette scanned her surroundings, but the mysterious savior was nowhere to be seen, leaving her utterly confused. She could have sworn someone had held her.

But now, it felt almost like a dream.

Leopold figured Juliette was just shaken up, gently patting her head to soothe her worries.

"Maybe you saw it wrong, there wasn't anyone. I had a clear view from across the street. When that motorcycle came zooming by you managed to dodge on your own. You were incredibly lucky...

"We can't have you taking risks like that again, you nearly gave your godfather a heart attack!"

Juliette couldn't quite make out what her godfather was saying anymore. She glanced over her shoulder, pondering if that fleeting moment was indeed just a figment of her imagination.

Could she really have been mistaken?