The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne) novel Chapter 643

Blinking her eyes, Anna felt that Zelda was unusually enthusiastic today.

She glanced at Vivienne, seeking help, and Vivienne shot her a knowing look that said, "Girl, my aunt fancies you as a niece-in-law."

Anna nearly choked on her drink. She was too young to be shackled by the chains of arranged dating!

No way, not happening!

Seeing Anna's pleading eyes, Vivienne kindly excused her, breaking the tension.

Zelda, aware that Vivienne had serious matters to discuss, didn't press further, content to wait until they were finished.

"Actually, my junior brother isn't too shabby. Why not give him a shot?" Vivienne teased, playfully tipping Anna's chin.

Anna blushed. "Ms. Vivienne, when did you start being so cheeky?"

"Picked it up from our Mr. Wolf."

Percival, who had just walked in, paused upon hearing this.

What? Was he really that cheeky?

Anna quickly changed the subject when she saw Percival return. "Mr. Ellington, Herman mentioned you were looking for me. What's up?"

Percival sat down next to Vivienne and said, "You're about to graduate from Elite University, right? Applied for grad school yet?"

Anna nodded. "Yeah, just haven't had the chance to take the exams; been swamped with training assignments lately."

"Go for it, stick close to Aaron."

It took Anna a moment to remember who Aaron was. "Stick close to him for what?"

It was then that Vivienne chimed in, "Aaron's been dealing with the Brooks family lately, investigating the bionic biotech related to F-Poison. Assist him. There's a Mara close to him with dubious intentions; just keep an eye on her discreetly; don't blow your cover."

Anna understood but still felt uneasy. "Ms. Vivienne, Noah is with GTO. They must know I'm with Vanguard Agency. Gillian even saw me at the training grounds today. Won't this raise their suspicions?"

Vivienne smiled. "It will. And they'll wonder if you're there to investigate Aaron or Mara. Basically, you'll be shrouded in mystery, and many will watch you. Be careful."

Anna burst into laughter at this. She relished this kind of game. "Mission accepted."

...

At Mara's house.

Mara was looking at herself in the mirror, wondering if it was her imagination or if her scars really didn't look as horrific as before.

Then, the door burst open.

A mud-covered Gillian strode in.

Mara jumped, retreating with a pillow in hand. "What... What have you done to yourself? Stay back, don't dirty my clothes!"

Gillian lunged at her, pinning her to the floor, and repeatedly smacked her face.

"Did you keep an eye on Vivienne like I asked? No progress in all this time. Have you been taking my words for granted?"

Mara was dazed from the blows. "What are you on about? I've told you everything, and Vivienne's coming over tomorrow. What's the deal?"

Pushing Gillian off, Mara wiped her face in disgust. "What's gotten into you?"

Gillian regained some sanity. "Tomorrow, I need results. I want Aaron under your control, got it?"

Mara sensed Gillian's madness and nodded. "Got it."

The next morning, Vivienne arrived at Mara's house as promised.

Mara greeted her warmly. "Vivienne, you're here! I've prepared some fruit tea for you. Try it."

Vivienne eyed the brew. It was indeed fruit tea, nothing extra added.

Outside, Mara caught her breath. She touched her cheek; it was indeed less painful than before, within her threshold of tolerance.

Glancing at the tightly closed door, Mara thought, “Vivienne, just you wait! After today, you won't be able to untangle yourself from Aaron!”

In the living room, Aaron sat in silence, about to share with Vivienne his recent encounter with the Brooks family, when he suddenly felt an overwhelming heat enveloping him.

He shrugged off his jacket and tossed it aside, but the stifling warmth only intensified, leaving him struggling for breath. It was as if an inferno raged within him, threatening to burst forth from his very skin.

Fidgeting restlessly, Aaron flapped at his T-shirt, his cheeks flushing a deep shade of crimson.

Vivienne, noticing his discomfort, asked, "Are you alright?"

Aaron shook his head, "I... I don't know, Vivienne, I feel awful."

Vivienne approached and took his hand, her touch gentle.

Suddenly, Aaron, as if possessed, gripped her hand tightly.

"Vivienne, I feel terrible. I just... I need to hold you..."

Suddenly, with a loud bang, the bedroom door flew open, and the room instantly filled with the bitter scent of a fire extinguisher.

"Fire! Fire! Hang on, Vivienne, I'm coming to the rescue!"

Vivienne shielded her eyes before leaping to safety. Once the smoke cleared, she opened her eyes to a chaotic scene.

Kenneth, holding the fire extinguisher, was pinned under Aaron, who had him in an iron grip, rendering him immobile.

Their legs were tangled in a most undignified fashion.

Aaron lay peacefully atop Kenneth, a small lump forming on his head – a lump that matched a dent on the extinguisher.

Vivienne could only stand there, speechless.