The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne)

Back in her room, it was nearing midnight.

Vivienne made a call to Thomas.

On the other end, Thomas had just finished up with his work. Hearing that the kids were alright, his tone softened, "Ma'am, we've stumbled upon something else."

Vivienne narrowed her eyes, "Something about Gideon's crew?"

Thomas responded heavily, "It seems Lansky has a bigger powerhouse backing him, otherwise, they wouldn't have been so bold this time."

"Their backers?" Vivienne frowned.

"Exactly!"

Thomas paused for a moment, "For years, someone has been secretly tracking Percival's whereabouts just like us. I suspect it's them, although I'm not sure what more they've found... But I'll keep an eye on them." After hanging up, Vivienne's gaze deepened.

She wanted to know more than anyone.

What kind of secret could have made Mr. Wolf disappear for five years?

If it was about that incident, why couldn't Mr. Wolf tell her?

Come the weekend.

Vivienne personally invited Connor.

Connor drove over, and Vivienne waited for him at the door.

He walked towards her with a smile, "I thought you'd find an excuse to turn me down. Didn't expect it to be this easy this time."

Vivienne didn't respond.

But a little head wearing a pink hat peeked out from behind her, smiling sweetly at Connor, "Mr. Boyd, Isaiah and I would like to come too. You don't mind, do you?" Connor's eyes flickered with surprise.

Vivienne, looking at Juliette who was intentionally hiding behind, explained helplessly, "The kids want to thank you for saving their lives. It's the weekend, so why not all go together?" Isaiah stepped out too, clearly showing his stance.

He wouldn't allow his mom to be alone with this man.

Connor's smile widened, "Sure, I know a family-friendly diner that gets great reviews. They'll love it."

Juliette giggled along, though her cheeks puffed out the next moment.

Isaiah was right.

This man claimed he had no intentions towards their mom.

What single man keeps track of family diners, unless...

Isaiah simply opened the car door and sat in the backseat without a word.

No matter how deep this man's intentions were.

This meal, he and Juliette would treat!

He had the money ready.

Once the favor is returned, they're back to being strangers.

Connor opened the passenger door for Vivienne, and Juliette stepped forward, taking her hand, "Mommy, the back seat is more comfortable, come sit with Juliette." Vivienne saw through her little scheme but nodded in agreement, following her to the back.

Juliette's smile nearly reached her ears.

If not for Isaiah's reminder, Connor might have caught on.

Arriving at the diner, Juliette was tempted by the colorful children's play area, especially the puppet castle.

But she remembered her mission.

To protect her mommy was the priority.

Connor encouraged her to play, promising to fetch her when their order arrived.

Juliette, acting as if reminded of a grave matter, declined bluntly, "No thanks, I'm not into those kiddie games." Connor just smiled, not calling her out.

He then handed out menus, letting

the kids pick their meals before offering Vivienne the adult menu with a lighter fare, "The options here

are quite light, should suit your taste. What would you like?"

Juliette, hearing this, knew Connor didn't understand her mom well, "Mr. Boyd, you got that wrong. My mom loves tangy ribs and strawberries..." Isaiah coughed, cutting her off.

Realizing she'd slipped, Juliette fell silent.

Connor caught on quickly, "My apologies for assuming."

He then summoned a waiter, "Do you have any strawberry dishes or desserts?"

The waiter checked the menu, "No dishes, but we do have a strawberry cheesecake for dessert. How about that?"

Hearing 'strawberry cheesecake', Vivienne's expression paused.

Connor noticed and told the waiter, "That'll do, bring it on."

Vivienne declined, "No need, I've not had it in a long time."

The waiter looked at Connor, who nodded, understanding Vivienne's wish, and let the waiter go.

While waiting for their food, Connor stepped out for a moment.

Juliette, restless, glanced around.

She noticed an elderly man sitting outside in a sunlit spot, looking lonely. Passersby occasionally dropped coins, perhaps to ease their conscience.

Juliette felt moved, "Mommy, that old man outside looks so pitiful, sitting alone in the corner in such

swnevernet

cold weather, I wonderen."

Somehow, he reminded her of her great-grandfather.

Jasper remained silent.

Vivienne glanced at the man then back at her phone, "If you feel sorry for him, you could give him some change. He might need it."

Isaiah was puzzled.

Since when was Mommy interested in these matters?

"Right." Juliette slapped her forehead.

She found some coins in her pocket and headed outside.

Isaiah worried about her safety, glancing in the direction she'd gone.

What he saw left him wide-eyed.

Looking back at his calmly browsing mom, Isaiah realized she must have recognized the man from the start.

No wonder she said that to Juliette.

Juliette, bubbling with energy, skipped up to the old man, her hand emptying the last of her coins into his.

"Here you go, sir! Use this to get yourself a hot dog!"

"What?"

The sun had been harsh, squinting, the old man barely caught the chirpy voice in front of him, a voice oddly familiar.

Juliette paused, "Oh, your voice sounds just like my Grandpa Finnian's."

"And wait, you even look like my Grandpa Finnian..."

Finnian lifted his sunhat, locking eyes with the figure before him.

For a moment, both were speechless.

"Grandpa Finnian!"

"Juliette??"

From inside the house, Vivienne

could hear her master's voice loud and clear, "Juliette, my dear, what are you doing here? Come let Grandpa Finnian get a good look at you, have you gained some weight? Grandpa Finnian missed you dearly!"

"Grandpa Finnian, what are you doing here? Is the cabin in the mountains finished yet?"

"When can I visit again?"

Juliette looked at Finnian, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.