The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne felt a tingling sensation surge from her toes all the way up her body, her cheeks flushing a soft pink as she spotted a strawberry cheesecake to her left and a jewelry box to her right.

"Mr. Wolf, open it and feed me," Vivienne said with a playful smile, her leg casually draped over Percival's, completely at ease. Percival's slender fingers took the strawberry cheesecake, untied the ribbon with grace, and elegantly sliced a piece to feed Vivienne.

The sweet taste of strawberries filled Vivienne's mouth, making her heart even sweeter. She loved Percival's thoughtfulness and the love she saw in his eyes.

With that thought, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his eyes.

Percival's breath hitched, his arms wrapping tightly around her waist, pulling her close.

The car was filled with a romantic atmosphere as Vivienne snuggled into Percival's embrace, continuing to enjoy the cheesecake, "What was that surprise you mentioned earlier?" Percival looked at her tenderly, opening the jewelry box to reveal a pale blue gemstone bracelet that shimmered in the light, "I know you don't really need these things, but I've seen other couples exchange gifts, and I made this one myself. Giveyour hand." Vivienne obediently extended her hand, her wrist delicate and fair.

Percival silently rejoiced that he had measured her wrist while she was asleep; otherwise, the bracelet might have been too long. He carefully put the bracelet on her. The cool metal felt comfortable against her skin. The design featured wings in mid-flight, with tiny blue diamonds surrounding a heart-shaped central stone.

It suited Vivienne perfectly. She sat up on his lap, cupped his chin, and gave him a sweet kiss, "I really love this bracelet!" Outside the car, the landscape was dotted with rolling hills, a picturesque scene of natural beauty. A police car designated for transporting Gavin, considering his special circumstances, halted on a cleared patch of ground, separate from other inmates.

In the front were two officers, and the back held three more alongside Gavin.

"The car's broken down; I'll check what's wrong. You guys stay put and keep an eye on him," said the driver before heading out to inspect the vehicle.

Gavin sat inside, trembling with fear, his forehead slick with cold sweat. Could she still not letgo? Does she wantdead? "Seth hasn't cback up; something might have happened. Should we check on him?" another officer said worriedly. Gavin, panicking, grabbed the officer, "Don't go out! Someone's out to kill me. Call your superiors for help!" The officer in black frowned, considering the situation and the silent agreement among his colleagues.

Before they could act, a group of masked assailants burst in, knocking them unconscious with a swift, menacing flash of blades, aiming directly at Gavin.

YQ Research Center Holly Ellington lay on a white hospital bed, surrounded by the beeping of medical devices. Compared to her first arrival, filled with tubes, she now resembled a normal patient, resting peacefully.

Victoria sat beside her, gently wiping her body and massaging her limbs.

Brian and Brody stood outside the lab, observing quietly.

"Can you believe Percival's aunt fell for a scoundrel like Gavin?" Brian asked Brody, puzzled.

Brody, lost in thoughts of medicine, had no interest in romantic entanglements. "How would I know? Maybe they took slove potion?" "If emotions could be controlled by pills, invent one that makes criminals surrender willingly. I'd make a fortune in bounties!" Brian said, eyes gleaming with excitement.

Brody, annoyed, retorted, "I should invent something to get rid of you instead!" "Good luck with that, as long as Vivienne's backingup. Try your luck in your next life!" Brian replied, smirking triumphantly. Vivienne entered, her hair tied back in a practical bun, her lab coat adding to her professional appearance.

Brian and Brody started to approach, but Vivienne cut them off, "I'm too busy for chit-chat." Seeing Vivienne, Victoria stood up and made way, her tone serious, "Please, you must save my mother." Vivienne raised an eyebrow, "I've developed the antidote for your aunt." As she examined Holly's scars, now fainter thanks to her treatment, she promised, "I'll give you a new ointment for the scars. Apply it daily, and they'll be gone in a week." Victoria's eyes welled up with tears, grateful for the hope after years of despair.

Vivienne pulled out a pill, the result velof her latest experiment. Crafting this pill hadn't been a walk in the park; it required not just her expertise but also Percival's assistance and a secret ingredient she had coaxed out of Gavin.

She dissolved the pill in water and administered it to Holly, watching closely as the patient's vitals began to stabilize on the monitor-an encouraging sign.

"How is my mother doing? When will she wake up? Victoria gazed anxiously at Holly's face. The worry in her voice was palpable-if this treatment didn't work, she couldn't bear the thought of how much longer they might have to wait for a miracle. "Give it an hour," Vivienne responded with a tranquility that seemed to fill the room. She held a vial of potionan her left hand and meticulously added it drop by drop with her fight, closely observing the potion's interaction.