The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne)

Seventeen years had flown by in a heartbeat, and the children from back then had all grown up.

In the sprawling backyard of their estate, Vivienne was leisurely rocking back and forth in her rocking chair, her legs swaying gently. It wasn't long before the smartphone resting on the side table began to ring. Glancing over, she noticed it was a video call from the kids. As soon as she answered, Juliette's face popped up on the screen, her voice brimming with excitement, "Mom! You and dad are really not coming to Isaiah and my birthday party tomorrow?" Vivienne pinched the bridge of her nose, feeling a tad helpless. This was the sixteenth call this month alone. She had made a casual remark about possibly missing Juliette's birthday, never expecting her to take it so seriously. With a sigh, Vivienne replied, "Of course, we're coming! You didn't need to send a search party after me!"

Juliette chuckled, "Just making sure you weren't pulling our leg."

After a bit more chit-chat, Juliette was whisked away by her tutor.

Vivienne then opened her chat with Floyd. Their last conversation was ages ago, discussing whether he could make it this year. Floyd had mentioned he was swamped with work abroad and might not make it. Communication between them had been scarce over the years.

After a moment's hesitation, Vivienne dialed Floyd's number.

On the other end, Floyd stared at the flashing screen with a stoic expression. He took his sweet time before finally answering the call just as it was about to disconnect. "Hello?"

"Hey, Juliette and Isaiah's birthday is coming up. Are you planning to make it back home?"

"Yeah, I'll be there," Floyd responded, his voice interspersed with the sound of keyboard clicks.

Vivienne could faintly hear someone calling out for Floyd in the background. She softened her tone, "Alright, you seem busy. We'll talk later."

Hanging up, a small smile crept across Vivienne's face.

Percival joined her, wrapping an arm around her waist, "What's on your mind?"

"Just thinking... it's been seventeen years," Vivienne mused.

With a tender smile, Percival echoed, "Yeah, seventeen years."

Their shared smile was a silent acknowledgment of the years gone by.

Meanwhile, Floyd, having ended the call, let his facade of indifference fade. He wasn't in any lab; he was standing in a vast, deserted pit filled with various markers. He lingered in front of one labeled 'Connor', surrounded by other names including Abigail's. Recollecting events from seventeen years ago, a fleeting smirk crossed his face. "Had I not intervened that day, who knows what havoc you would have

wreaked by now. It's time I

contributed on your behalf, putting an end to all this." Material © NôvelDrama.Org.

Entering a small cabin, Floyd was greeted by walls plastered with photos, predominantly of Vivienne's family but also including friends and even Leopold's son. Approaching a board he pinned a photo of Vivienne, his voice laced with menace, "I promise a grand surprise,

a fitting end for all."

On his desk lay two gift-wrapped packages. Glancing at them, Floyd couldn't help but smile, "To meet your end by these means is more than you deserve."

Back in Rivenwood, the news of Juliette and Isaiah's birthday had spread like wildfire among the families, leaving their peers envious.

Leopold found his son Gordon, deep in thought and visibly stressed. Clapping him on the shoulder, Leopold inquired, "What's eating you up, son? Trouble with mom again?"

Gordon sighed, "Dad, you're the expert in that department, not me."

After a playful scuffle and a suggestion to craft something personal as gifts, Gordon decided to directly ask Juliette and Isaiah what they'd like, sparking a flurry of nighttime discussions among their friends.

On Floyd's return, the family

prepared a feast to welcome him.

His arrival sparked joy and

anticipation for the upcoming celebration, with everyone blissfully unaware of the dark cloud looming over their reunion.

Vivienne and Percival shared a knowing smile. "This works out," Vivienne said. "You three can catch up, chat about what's been going on in your lives."

"Yeah, it's good for you guys to bond a bit more," Percival added with a nod.