The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Jack stared at Vivienne, completely taken aback. He had always known she was sharp, but he had never imagined she would see right through him.

Vivienne said, "As the head of the family, it's tto consider letting go of the past." Jack was momentarily speechless, contemplating her words.

Vivienne remained silent after that.

The butler approached, "Sir, Miss, Percival has cto visit." Vivienne paused, surprised. Hadn't he just left? Jack turned to Vivienne with a smile, wondering how long he could keep his granddaughter by his side, “Let him in.” Percival stood tall and straight as he greeted Jack, "Grandpa, how are you?" Vivienne raised an eyebrow; the term 'grandpa' cout so naturally from him.

Jack also smiled, quite pleased with Percival, "I just saw my precious granddaughter today, and you're already missing her?" Percival's lips curved slightly, his gaze intense and honest as he looked towards Vivienne, "A day without marrying Vivienne feels incomplete." Then, his tone turned serious, "I've cwith another important matter." Vivienne looked at him, "What's happened?" Percival's expression was grave, a shadow crossing his brow, "Last night, the authorities discovered a suspicious vehicle. Upon inspection, they found a woman's body inside, her heart had been removed." "This young woman's body was found in Rivenwood suburb, and it's clear this wasn't a crof passion or revenge." Vivienne's face grew somber, "Were there any other injuries? Has the person transporting the body been caught? Is this the first case in Rivenwood?" Percival replied calmly, "The body is still being examined, and the transporter committed suicide as soon as he was caught, leaving us with nothing. As of now, this is the first case in Rivenwood, and we haven't found any similar cases elsewhere." Jack frowned, a commanding aura about him, "If this is the first case in Rivenwood, finding the cause is crucial. We must investigate recent disappearances; the body may have been disposed of." After a moment of thought, Vivienne's voice was cold, "We need to track the vehicle's route. Since it was transporting something, it must have had a destination." Percival's face was stern, aware that such news could cause widespread panic.

Vivienne opened her laptop, asking Percival, "Where was the body found? I'll check the surrounding areas and possible routes." Percival immediately responded, "The vehicle was discovered on the outskirts of East District, taking Latita Road towards Westgrove Village." Vivienne's fingers flew over the keyboard, quickly pulling up maps and surveillance videos of the area, with Jack observing alongside.

After a while, Jack spoke up, “The city isn't their final destination. Westgrove Village has tight security and heavy foot traffic. They risked transporting the body through here because they had to." Percival agreed with Jack's assessment, and the three sat in silence for a moment.

Vivienne stood up, made a phone call with a stern tone, "Draven, activate the Order of Nine Mystics Society. Investigate any recent disappearances nationwide, especially women." Draven, on the other line, was momentarily stunned before responding, "Understood, Miss!" Vivienne then sent out a message through the Frostfire Intelligence Agency: 'Investigate recent disappearances nationwide, focus on women.' After putting down her phone, she sat back down.

Jack, seeing Vivienne's concern, reassured her, "Vivienne, if they've acted once, they'll act again. The longer it takes, the more they'll slip up. We just need to be patient." Vivienne sighed softly, "Grandpa, once a snake leaves its hole, it doesn't easily return.' Percival looked around, puzzled, "Where are my parents?" Jack's eyes sparkled with joy, unable to hide his excitement, "Sasha and Arthur are finally preparing for their wedding. They've put it off for years, but it's tthey got married!" "I sent them to pick out a wedding dress today. Once everything is ready, I'll let everyone know to cto Sasha and Arthur's wedding! Hahaha!" Hearing this, Percival's dark eyes intently gazed at Vivienne, his meaning clear.

With his gaze too intense, Vivienne looked towards Percival, her lips curving into a smile, her eyes shimmering.

Jack knew exactly what Percival was thinking and calmly said, "Percival, just wait a bit longer. It's not justwho can't bear to let Vivienne go. Look at Arthur. He's worried about getting married after you, afraid of becoming a laughingstock. Hahaha!" Percival's lips twitched into a smile, "Even after marrying Vivienne, I'll make sure we visit often." "Alright, alright, alright, when you two tie the knot, you better remember your words. Don't keep Vivienne glued to your side all day; I recall Richard was quite the contender for her affection. Oh, and you're staying for dinner tonight. We've got a celebration on our handk suggested with a warm, inviting smile. It was already past 10 p.m., an unusual tfor dinner by any standard.

But Jack was in high spirits, and with Percival joining in, the occasion called for a hearty meal and a bit of wine to toast. Percival, ever so gracious, replied, "Sounds perfect." Just as the mood was getting lively, Arthur and Sasha walked in hand in hand, looking every bit the enamored couple. "I saw this mermaid dress adorned with diamonds; you'd look stunning in it!" Arthur exclaimed with excitement. "Alright, I'll take your word for it! You've been quite the charmer today," Sasha responded, her face radiant with joy. Jack cleared his throat, a playful smile touching his eyes, "Now, now, you two aren't exactly youngsters; try to keep it modest. Percival's here today, so it's the perfect occasion for the whole family to gather for a meal and discuss your upcoming wedding." At the Linklater family dinner table, a long rectangular table was set. The servants brought out dish after dish of exquisite meals, beautifully arranged on the table.

The atmosphere was warm andinviting, filled with the kind of hearty, home-cooked delicacies you'd expect at a traditional Western family gathering. Roast beef, mashed potatoes, and green beans amandine made their rounds, with laughter and conversation flowing as freely as the wine. It was a moment of unity and joy, a celebration of family and love, all wrapped up in the comfort of familiar, cherished traditions.