The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne) novel Chapter 918

The wedding reception was winding down when Vivienne, with all she'd learned, breezed over to the champagne tower. She grabbed a flute of bubbly, determined to prove she could handle her liquor. Just as she took her first sip, the tower collapsed towards her in a shimmering cascade.

Before she could dodge, a pair of cool hands wrapped around her, pulling her safely away. The champagne flowed behind her like a waterfall, its scent filling the air. She looked up into the eyes of her savior, his grip already loosening. He stepped back, his amber eyes glowing, a soft smile gracing his lips before he nodded at Vivienne and quickly disappeared without a word.

Vivienne's heart fluttered. It was the same man who'd rivalled Mr. Wolf in charm that morning. She watched his retreating figure, lost in thought.

Suddenly, she was swept off her feet. Percival, with his sharp jawline and a cool aura, carried her outside to a swing set up for the wedding. Her curls danced in the breeze, a smile playing on her lips.

"It wasn't me who was watching him; he saved me," she teased, her voice light and playful.

Percival's gaze remained intense, his voice cold. "But you kept staring even after he left."

Before Vivienne could muster an excuse, Percival's kiss silenced her, fierce and demanding, their breaths mingling in the warmth of the moment. Finally, they parted, breathless.

Percival shook his head, amused and slightly defeated by Vivienne's boldness.

"Shall we head back to the villa?" Vivienne suggested, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Percival couldn't help but feel a warm blush at his own jealousy. He buried his face in her neck, his voice husky, "The wedding isn't over yet."

Vivienne played with his hair, "It's fine. The important parts are done. It's almost over."

They shared a laugh, their playful banter a testament to their deep connection. But their moment was interrupted by a call to Percival's phone. He answered, revealing a lead on a suspicious car and a mystery that needed solving.

No wonder Percival's men hadn't returned. Once within the sniper's range, they'd look for an opportunity to take a headshot.

Percival realized the gravity of the situation too, but retreating now wouldn't help. It would only make them easier targets.

They had no choice but to keep moving forward.

Walking behind Percival, Vivienne playfully wrapped her finger around his, feigning fatigue, "We've walked so much. I'm tired, and I need a drink."

Percival surveyed their surroundings, "It's my fault. I thought bringing you to Rivenwood to trace your roots would be a good idea, but I got us lost and led us to this desolate place, thinking we'd find someone selling water."

"How about we knock on a door and ask?" Vivienne suggested. What she meant was, they could use the pretext of seeking shelter or water to assess a house for threats or use it as cover, ready to neutralize any occupant on sight.