The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne)

Back in the car, Percival pulled a light blanket over Vivienne's legs. She reached for it, her wrist peeking out, pale and delicate.

Percival's attention was caught by a flash of red. With a smile, he asked, "Who gave this to you?"

Thinking of the two children she'd met earlier, Vivienne's lips curved into a smile, "Natalia and Yasmine."

Percival nodded, holding her hand gently, "Aunt Mary's quite thoughtful."

Vivienne paused.

Percival continued, "Red ribbons are for protection. Aunt Mary's been around; she must've guessed we're keeping the pregnancy a secret. She probably used the kids so you wouldn't feel pressured." Vivienne squinted, shocked, looking at Mr. Wolf.

Could Mr. Wolf have been following her around?

Percival could see what she was thinking and laughed, revealing the truth, "It's blessed by Father O'Connor. I saw it when I went to get a blessing."

"Blessing?"

Vivienne didn't know what to say.

Mr. Wolf, what haven't you been keeping from me?

Every casual inquiry revealed something new to her.

Percival bit his lip, not going into details, simply pulling her closer and whispering, "I sewed it into your clothing. It's meant to be discreet, as Father O'Connor suggested." Vivienne, "..."

Mr. Wolf, do you really have to be this cautious, even believing in blessings now?

The car journey home was quiet, both returning to their shared space.

Thomas was waiting outside, ready to head to the station later.

Once inside, Percival didn't waste time, carrying Vivienne straight to bed, insisting he'd brew some tea so the smell wouldn't upset her stomach. She felt safer with her in bed.

Seeing Mr. Wolf still insistent on brewing her tea left Vivienne somewhat stunned, "Mr. Wolf, don't you need to report to your superiors?" Percival rolled up his sleeves, starting on the tea, "No rush. I want to make sure you've had your tea first."

Vivienne, "..."

How much more tea could there be?

At this rate, she wasn't sure who'd go mad first, her or Mr. Wolf.

Ten minutes later, she understood Mr. Wolf's intention.

Despite the distance, she could smell the herbs being brewed, each scent distinct and somewhat bitter, triggering a reaction in her stomach.

Vivienne frowned, moving to the window for fresh air, which helped alleviate the herbal scent.

Her phone suddenly rang. Picking it up, Draven's voice came through immediately, "Miss, we've found the bodies."

Vivienne's brow twitched, "Where?"

Draven: "In a cave about ten miles from the incident site. Two female bodies, but their faces are unrecognizable. We'll need to wait for the test results." "Two bodies."Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Vivienne repeated, seeking confirmation.

Draven confirmed, "Yes, but it's strange. One body has been drained of all blood, becoming a mummy. The other is similar but less severe, likely died from excessive blood loss." "Why can't their faces be recognized?"

Draven replied promptly, "My apologies for not securing the scene immediately."

Vivienne understood.

Even without blood, the bodies would attract wildlife in the mountains, likely disturbing the scene.

She made a quick decision, "Send them to the lab. I'll examine them myself."

As Percival brought over the tea, he caught the tail end of her conversation.

"What's happened, Vivienne?" he asked, worry in his tone.

Vivienne narrowed her eyes, "Mr. Wolf, the bodies have been found. There are two."

Hearing this, Percival's expression darkened, "Are we sure one is Abigail?" Vivienne shook her head, the uncertainty the reason she wanted to check personally. If it was Abigail, it would bring closure to a long-awaited question.

Getting ready to leave, Vivienne saw the tea in Percival's hand and drank it in one gulp, chasing it with a sugar cube, "Mr. Wolf, you get on with your work I'll check things out and let you know immediately." FindNovel

Percival caught her hand, his face etched with concern, "Vivienne, you shouldn't be handling this in your condition."

Vivienne looked into Mr. Wolf's worried eyes, her fingers instinctively smoothing his frown, "Trust me, Mr. Wolf. I'm just confirming identities. It'll be fine."

Still, Percival was unconvinced, knowing too well that pregnancy could bring unpredictable physical reactions.

He wouldn't risk anything happening to Vivienne.

"No, I'm coming with you."

"Mr. Wolf..."

Before Vivienne could protest,

Percival silenced her with a reminder, "Remember what

happened this morning? Do you

want the whole lab to find out about the pregnancy?"

Mr. Wolf had a point.

"And what about the report to your superiors?" Vivienne asked, knowing they were pressing for it.

If the bodies were related to Abigail, any report now would be premature. Better to wait for conclusive results.

Vivienne agreed.

Together, they left, Thomas surprised to see both of them but quickly starting the car at Percival's command, "To the lab."

Thomas nodded, understanding the unspoken rule of not asking questions, "Yes, Percival."

The car made a swift U-turn and sped off towards the suburban villa neighborhood.

Half an hour later, Vivienne arrived at the scene, entering the most secure layer of defense alongside Percival.

Draven and his team waited outside.

Vivienne approached, "Is everyone inside?"

Draven looked up and replied, "Yes, ma'am."

Vivienne changed into a sterilized suit with Percival before entering the lab.

Inside, two bodies lay covered entirely by white sheets.

Vivienne tightened her grip on her white gloves, about to lift the sheet when Percival stopped her, "Allow me."

Vivienne nodded, not refusing Mr. Wolf's kind gesture.

She was in the early stages of pregnancy, and some things were beyond her control.

Percival glanced down, his expression darkening instantly.

The bodies were barely recognizable, savagely mauled by wild animals, with severe marks all over.

Identifying them would require a genetic database or an estimation based on skeletal age, as their appearances were indiscernible, nothing but a bloody mess. Percival withdrew his hand, stepping in front of Vivienne to shield her from the sight.

"Vivienne, let the lab team handle this."

Vivienne arched an eyebrow. If Mr. Wolf wouldn't let her look, she'd have to use her imagination, "Mr. Wolf, you really can't make anything out?" Percival silently nodded.

He was certain of it; he knew that if Vivienne took over, she might discern some clues.

But he wouldn't let Vivienne see them.

He didn't want her to experience nausea as she had that morning.

Percival signaled someone outside to proceed with DNA matching, then started to lead Vivienne out.

"Wait a minute!"

Vivienne pointed at the bodies on the racks, proposing a compromise, "Mr. Wolf, I'll follow your advice and not look at their faces, but let me at least examine their hands and feet."

IMS