The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne)

Vivienne recounted the day's events to Percival, and it was only then that he realized Carly wasn't actually out of her mind.

"She fooled me completely, I must admit," Percival said.

Vivienne took his hand, "You can't blame yourself. She's smitten with the mayor's son, and they both plan to overthrow the mayor, so it's no wonder she could spot the oddities." Comforted by Vivienne, Percival thought for a moment, then wrapped his arm around her waist and planted a passionate French kiss on her lips.

As dawn broke and their kiss ended, Percival made sure Vivienne was covered up before getting out of bed to dress.

Vivienne, propping her head with her hand, watched Percival dress with interest.

Perhaps it was her unabashed gaze, but Percival couldn't help but laugh, "If you keep looking at me like that, I might think you can't bear to see me go." "That's because I can't," Vivienne winked at him.

Percival felt a tightening in his chest. Vivienne might not have realized how alluring she was at that moment, presenting an irresistible charm to him.

He didn't even bother to finish dressing and pulled her close, "Still have so much energy? Was just now not enough for you?"

With a seductive smile, Vivienne whispered in his ear, "Was that supposed to be enough?"

Percival admitted he was utterly disarmed by Vivienne, though now was not the time for flirtation.

After a long moment, when Percival looked at her again, there was a hint of red in his eyes. Gripping her waist more firmly, he promised, "Once we're out, I'll make sure you're fully satisfied."

It wasn't until Percival's figure had completely disappeared from Vivienne's view that the smile on her lips slightly faded.

The mayor sure was bold, she thought. When the time came, she would take matters into her own hands.

As the day began to brighten, Vivienne rested for a while before getting out of bed. She peered through the curtains, spotting several figures moving swiftly through the morning fog. She narrowed her eyes and sent a message to Draven, advising him to keep a close eye on Luck Village's movements in the coming days.

Twenty minutes later.

When Vivienne and Logan entered the living room, several gazes turned toward them. Logan couldn't shake off the feeling that the mayor's looks were somewhat off.

Vivienne, seemingly oblivious, took her usual seat, ignoring the mayor's probing eyes.

After breakfast, Vivienne and Logan proceeded to treat the villagers as they had been doing.

Two days passed without any sign of Carly, not even in her own yard, which made Logan increasingly anxious.

"Ms. Vivienne, do you think she'll keep her promise? It's been two days, and we can't find her anywhere. We don't even know if she's been exposed," Logan paced back and forth in the yard, worried. Percival, lying on a bench, looked up at Vivienne, unaware that Carly had lost contact with them, "What's going on?"

"We haven't seen her for a few days," Vivienne continued her work without pausing, unsure about Carly's situation herself.

"These past days, the mayor's gaze

upon us has been strange. I'm afraid Carly might have been exposed. If she's been coerced into revealing us, we're e in danger! Especially since she knows Mr. Ellington isn't Sebastian," Logan couldn't stand still, pacing endlessly since their arrival.

Percival understood Logan's worries, given Carly knew too much.

Yet, Vivienne remained calm, sipping her tea, "She isn't someone who would betray us."

Her certainty puzzled Logan, "But we can't reach her."

Percival, seeing Vivienne's confidence, smiled, "Don't worry. Vivienne has it under control."

Logan, though worried, couldn't help but feel left out by the couple's assurance, wishing he was in on their secrets to ease his mind.

After finishing her tea, Vivienne stood up, "Continue working on the antidote; I'll step out for a bit."

"Be careful," Percival held her wrist, expressing concern before letting go, "They're on high alert. Avoid direct confrontations."

Vivienne wanted to reassure him, but seeing the seriousness in his eyes, she simply patted his hand and left.

As Vivienne stepped out, the surveillance was closely monitored, and her departure was immediately reported to the mayor.

"The mayor, the Thousand-Hands Healer's apprentice has left her yard alone," reported a subordinate.

"Are you sure it's just her?" the mayor raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, the Thousand-Hands Healer is still busy. It's only her," the subordinate confirmed after another glance at the screen.

Other than Logan working alone, there was no one else in sight.

"Keep an eye out, I'll have someone on her," the village chief ended the call and gave Gregg a knowing look. "You tail that girl, see who she's meeting up with all alone!"

As Gregg reached for the door, a thought struck him. "Chief, you think she's off to meet Carly?"

At the mention of Carly, the chief's eyes narrowed. "Carly? She's just a loon, why bother with her?"

"They've been heading towards

Carly's place these past few days.

Except for that day they helped her detox, they never actually met. Can't think of anyone else but Carly," Gregg had been keeping tabs on them without being told.

He had noticed their first visit to Carly's but since they hadn't met, he didn't think much of it. However, their return yesterday and Vivienne stepping out alone today raised his suspicions. Perhaps Carly was involved in some deal with them.

"Why speculate when you can find out?" the chief said, clearly annoyed. "Instead of flapping your gums here, you could've already seen what's going on!" Gregg nodded and hurried out of the chief's house, making a beeline for Carly's. Sure enough, he spotted Vivienne standing at her front door.

Vivienne knocked but no one seemed about to answer. Without hesitation, she pushed the door open and walked in.

Gregg frowned and silently moved closer to Vivienne.

As Vivienne stepped into the yard, a faint smile graced her lips. She looked back interestingly before standing at the doorway.

Just as Gregg, who was tailing her, prepared to follow, Vivienne suddenly veered off path, catching him off-guard.

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