The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne)

In the lab, Brody was practically glued to the floor, his eyes fixated on the vial of crimson liquid on the table. Despite the intense focus that turned his eyes a shade redder, his excitement was palpable.

Vivienne approached him, curiosity lacing her tone, "How's it going?"

Pointing at the vial, Brody couldn't hide his enthusiasm, "I've extracted it. Just give me a few more days, and I'll have it ready. Mass production will be a breeze."

Vivienne merely nodded, her words laced with a warning, "Just be careful with the dosage. Research is fine, but if you blow up my lab, we're going to have a serious problem."

Anna, eyeing the red liquid with a frown, turned to Vivienne, "What exactly is that?"

With a glance at Anna, Vivienne explained calmly, "It's an antidote to neutralize a weapon in Abigail's possession. But we only have this sample. We need to break it down, identify the key components, and produce it in large quantities for emergencies." Anna nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation.

Vivienne, patting Anna on the shoulder, reassured her, "This project is Brody's baby. Next time there's tough research, you'll join in."

"Sure!" Anna agreed, heading out but then paused, remembering something. "Oh, Vivienne, my mom wanted me to remind you about something."

Vivienne hummed in acknowledgment without stopping, "Go on."

Anna knew Vivienne was probably already aware, but it was better to be safe than sorry. "Someone's put up a hundred million bounty for something you have. After the assassination attempt last time, my mom's really worried. She insisted I tell you to be extra cautious." Vivienne's expression shifted slightly, "Alright, I've got it. Thank my mom for me."

As Anna left, Vivienne's thoughts deepened, and Percival wrapped an arm around her, questioning, "Do you think she believes it?"

Vivienne responded coolly, "Once doubt is planted, it doesn't matter if she believes or not. She won't make a move."

Soon after, Thomas handed Vivienne a document, "Ma'am, Brody wanted you to see this."

After a brief review, Vivienne passed it to Mr. Wolf. It was a blood analysis comparison.

Percival's expression turned cold after a glance, "I'll have someone keep watch immediately."

Vivienne shook her head, "It's better if my parents handle this. It's Winston's blood in that vial. And we can't replicate the antidote. Our lab scene was just a ruse to throw Abigail off."

At the hospital, Anna woke up in a chair next to her bed, her mother, Daphne, offering warm milk and comfort. Daphne's presence helped Anna relax, easing the strain from the recent events.

The next morning, Vivienne and

Percival headed to the Linklater

family estate, learning en route that

their lab had been attacked but reassured by Brody that the real antidote was safe. Brody denganded a new, larger lab as part of the deal for his silence and help.

Upon arrival, Sasha and Arthur Linklater greeted them warmly, treating them as part of the family Arthur, eager to spend time with daughter, led Vivienne away, promising something just forher. Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

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This adaptation transforms the original text into a Western setting, incorporating elements familiar to a Western audience, such as the use of common Western names, the concept of a family estate, and the inclusion of a lab as a setting for Scientific intrigue.

Arthur had that twinkle in his eye, the kind that always preceded a surprise. "We've handpicked everything, just for you. Trust me, you'll fall in love at first sight." Vivienne couldn't help but glance over at Sasha, who offered a reassuring smile and a nod, as if to say, "Don't worry."

As they entered the room, Arthur could hardly wait to unveil the "specialties" he had collected from around the globe.

"Well, what do you think? Do you like them?"

The sight that greeted Vivienne was a trunk brimming with an array of pink dresses. Despite being no stranger to grand gestures, the sheer volume of garments took her aback. She squinted, striving to maintain her composure, "Who said it's definitely going to be a girl?"

Arthur caught on in an instant.

With a swift motion, he opened another trunk, this one filled to the brim with boys' clothing. The selection was decidedly more Western in its color scheme.

Bright blues and vibrant greens, it was even more eye-catching than the sea of pink.

Vivienne thought to herself, "I should've known the moment I saw that smirk on my mom's face."