The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

V For whatever reason, getting involved now just wasn't the best timing.

It all hinged on Anna making the next move.

Thinking back to the puzzled tone in Anna's voice over the phone, "Vivienne, this can't be happening..." she couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.

Percival, seeing her furrowed brow, knew she was overthinking again. He reached out, gently pressed his thumb against her forehead, and soothed, "Vivienne, Anna's more than capable now, we don't need to worry about her." Vivienne nodded in agreement.

That was the very reason she could let Anna investigate on her own; Anna had learned from the best - her.

To uncover the truth with her own hands, rather than through someone else's findings.

Returning home, Vivienne fell into a deep, unexpected nap that lasted till nightfall.

Waking up, it was too dark outside to see clearly.

Her phone had missed calls, none from Anna, but from Draven.

Sitting up, she redialed, "Draven?" "The target, Declan, made his move." Vivienne urged, "Go on." "This afternoon, we caught him using shadow signals with his fingers under the light. But the gestures aren't in our decryption database. He's not talking either." Vivienne's voice was stern, "Sendthe surveillance footage." "Right away." The moment she hung up, the video arrived. As Draven described, Declan was indeed signally something.

But it wasn't a code; it was an old-world charm she'd encountered in her paranormal studies.

Translated, it meant, "For the greater good, eternal." Vivienne's lips curled into a wry smile.

Declan's "greater good" was nothing but the delusions Abigail had fed him.

Yet, these mind games were beneath her.

Playing these tricks in front of her, whether to provoke or to bait, Abigail's endgwas surely the Millennium Aegis fragment.

As long as she held onto it, Abigail would have to cto her.

The door creaked open, and Mr. Wolf tiptoed in, holding a thermometer, his actions drawing a laugh from Vivienne.

She switched on the bedside lamp, and Percival turned to her, relieved, "I was about to rush you to the hospital if you didn't wake up." Vivienne raised an eyebrow, "A nap got you this worried?" "A 'nap'? You've been out for six hours. I was worried sick." Vivienne teased, "Are you saying I'm like a pig now? All eat and sleep?" Percival kissed her gently, "I'm just glad you're well. It's comforting." Her smile widened, a spark in her eyes. She playfully pulled him closer, "Mr. Wolf, it's been a while since we've been intimate. Don't you miss it?" Percival hesitated, swept up in her tenderness, yet firmly stating, "In a month, Vivienne. Not now." "Are you sure you can resist?" As she spoke, her fingers danced over her blouse buttons, revealing more with each flick.

Percival caught her hand, "Vivienne, not now, please." Vivienne raised an eyebrow, "What did you think? I'm off to take a bath." Percival was speechless as she headed to the bathroom.

Her laughter echoed through the door.

He'd been outsmarted.

But perhaps Vivienne forgot, what's owed can always be reclaimed, with interest, after a month.

The next day, they didn't stay in. Seeking a change of scenery, they ended up at a mall.

Vivienne had her heart set on a hot pot restaurant on the fourth floor, but passing a baby boutique on the third, she couldn't look away.

Percival teased, "Want to take a look?" Without hesitation, Vivienne nodded.

Maybe it was the pregnancy cravings, but lately, she found herself drawn to anything related to babies, especially cute, soft- colored baby clothes.

She even toyed with the idea of designing baby wear herself.

Inside the store, a white tulle dress caught her eye. Tiny, adorable, yet exuding a love for children in its intricate design.

Their hands met as they both reached for it, but Percival let her take it, "Seems like you think we're having a girl." Vivienne blushed, "I just like the dress, that's all." Percival just smiled, watching her.

Her cheeks reddened more, yet she never put the dress down.

To prove she didn't mind the baby's gender, she picked a blue baby shirt at the counter, buying both.

Percival saw through her.

Their child, regardless of their personality, would be cherished dearly by them.

Holding a stack of clothes in her arms, Vivienne felt an unusual surge of happiness as she made her way towards the escalator leading up to the fourth floor of the shopping mall. Content belongs to en.kikistoriesJust as she stepped onto the escalator, she glanced down on a whim. Her eyes suddenly narrowed.

She spun around quickly, making her way back.

Percival instinctively moved to protect her. "Vivienne, what's wrong?" Vivienne frowned, "Mr. Wolf, it's Anna!" Without a moment's hesitation, Percival looked down towards where Vivienne had gestured, but there was no sign of Anna.

Both their skills in recognizing people, a craft taught by their mentor Sasha, were unparalleled.

They could spot a friend like Tobin even in a crowd hundreds of meters away. Content belongs to en.kikistoriesBut why would Anna be here? Vivienne's frown deepened as she pulled out her phone to call Anna, only to be met with voicemail.

At this point, Percival couldn't help but feel wary, suspecting a setup.

He suggested, "Let's have Thomas tail her discreetly. It won't startle her." Vivienne was about to agree when、 her phone vibrated. She glanced at it and raised her hand to stop Percival, "Hold off on Thomas, Mr. Wolf. Anna just texted me." Content belongs to en.kikistories'I'm safe. No need to have anyone follow me. I'll explain everything once I have the results.' Vivienne pocketed her phone, her expression serious.

What was Anna looking for? Percival wrapped an arm around her, "Well, if that's the case, we'll wait for her to tell us herself." Vivienne nodded in agreement.