The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne)

Daphne's eyes flashed with a hint of agony. "Those people were hell-bent on hunting me down. For Anna's safety, I had no choice but to take a death-faking pill to fool them."

Sasha pursed her lips and sighed, "Where have you been all these years? Why didn't you contact us? Even the Vanguard Agency couldn't track you down."

"We all thought you were... gone," Sasha exhaled, struggling to accept the news back then.

Daphne candidly replied, "My memory has been in and out over the years. Sometimes I remember clearly, other times I forget everything. But I've never stopped trying to find news about you and the team. If only I had known how... profound the effects of that drug would be."

"Ouch!" Daphne clutched her head in pain before burying her face in the pillow, a look of agony on her face.

"Mom, is it the headache again?"

"Stop thinking about it."

Sasha, witnessing Daphne's sudden pain, couldn't tell if it was real or an act.

Anna explained, "Karen, this is the aftereffect of the death-faking pill my mom took years ago. Recalling the past triggers her headaches, leaving her unable to think of anything..."

As they parted, Daphne handed Sasha a medallion, insisting she take it.

Sasha examined the tarnished object before pocketing it with a nod.

Anna requested time off from Vivienne, "Vivienne, I won't be able to stick by you these next few days. The lab, too."

Understanding her friend's predicament, Vivienne reassured her with a pat on the shoulder, "Don't worry. The artifacts from the Wright family have been delivered to the lab. With Brody there, everything will be fine." Anna felt slightly relieved and nodded.

With experts like Percival and Leopold by Vivienne's side, she wasn't overly concerned.

In the hallway, Sasha held the medallion, her expression tense. "This was the first honor Amaya won at the Vanguard Agency, a symbol of her identity."

Vivienne raised an eyebrow, "Is it authentic?"

Sasha nodded. Such an item had been part of their lives for too long to be fake.

Even Sasha began to doubt, "Is that really Daphne?"

Back in the room, Anna returned to Daphne's bedside, making sure she was comfortable, then sat down, clearly not planning on leaving.

Daphne, resting in bed, tried to persuade her, "Sweetie, my injuries are minor. You shouldn't neglect your work on my account. The nurses are here; you should focus on your responsibilities."

"That's out of the question, Mom. I wouldn't trust anyone else to care for you."

Anna had made up her mind; she wouldn't let history repeat itself. She was determined to ensure her mother's safety herself.

"I've already spoken to Vivienne. I won't be going to the lab for now."

Daphne smiled wryly, "I thought you had given up on the lab these past few days with Vivienne."

Anna, taking an apple from the fruit basket, skillfully peeled it. "Being with Vivienne doesn't mean I'm abandoning the lab. I'll be there whenever Vivienne needs me, but I'll return to the lab when I'm free. After all, that's where I continue to learn." Handing a sliced piece to Daphne, Anna continued, "Ever since I was young, I loved exploring these mysteries with you. I never imagined I'd actually follow in your footsteps."

Daphne took a bite of the apple, then casually mentioned, "I heard Vivienne mentioning something new at the lab. What is it?"All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

Anna finished peeling the apple but remembered the doctor's advice to only eat a little.

The rest was placed back on the table as she softly explained, "It's all work-related. You wouldn't understand."

Daphne feigned offense, "Is it that I wouldn't understand, or are you underestimating your mother? After all, you've learned everything from me. How do you know I wouldn't understand?"

Anna hurried to clarify, "Mom, it's not that I don't want to tell you. It's just that even I'm not sure what it is."

"Oh, how mysterious!" Anna seemed intrigued, her gaze fixed on Anna, eager for an answer.

Anna reluctantly shared, "Vivienne speculated it might be related to the people who tried to assassinate us yesterday. But when the box was retrieved, it was sealed. Vivienne probably had someone open it."

Daphne narrowed her eyes, "Really?"

QUMS

Then, as if remembering something,

she added, "heard rumors on my journey to find you, suggesting Vivienne possesses something incredibly valuable. Apparently there's a billion-dollar bounty for

whoever can find it."

Anna was aware of the rumors but doubted anyone could pose a real threat to Vivienne, given her unique abilities.

Daphne, serious, warned, "I know Vivienne is skilled, but we mustn't lower our guard. Have you forgotten how we were attacked yesterday?"

Anna paused, reminded of the unexpected events.

Seeing Anna's concern, Daphne gently pressed her hand, "You must remind Vivienne to be cautious and keep that item hidden. It would be terrible if it fell into the wrong hands."

Anna nodded, "Yes, I'll talk to Vivienne about it."

The next day, Vivienne and Percival arrived at the lab to the sound of explosions.

Vivienne frowned, asking a lab technician, "What's happening inside?"

The technician, recognizing Vivienne, bowed respectfully, "It's Brody. He's been experimenting with something these past few days, causing smoke and explosions non-stop." Vivienne waved everyone off, planning to head inside with Mr. Wolf to check out the situation, when she heard someone calling her from behind.

"Vivienne, Percival."

She turned to see Anna, her gaze slightly narrowing, "What brings you here? Weren't you supposed to be at the hospital?"

At the mention of the hospital, Anna

sighed, "My mom, she's not too fond of having people hovering around her all the time. She says it feels like being in prison, told me to get back to work and not to fuss over her."

QUMS

Something clicked in Vivienne's mind as she glanced at the chaos that was once a lab. Turning to Anna, she said, "Well, in that case, come on in with me."

"Really, Vivienne?"

Anna was thrilled.

If Vivienne was taking a personal interest, it had to be an important project.