The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne)
Chapter 1158

In the video, Arnold and his boyfriend were all about feeding each other bites of their meal, a sight so intimate it left no room for doubt about the nature of their relationship. Could this ever be likened to the camaraderie of, say, Batman and Robin?

Anna felt like her head was spinning. If he insisted on secrecy, couldn't he at least pretend a bit more convincingly?

Soren, relentless, fixed Anna with a stern look. "You'd do best to steer clear of someone who toys with your feelings like that. Someone who swings both ways as he does could be out there deceiving countless women just as naive as you." Great. There went Anna's peace of mind.

It seemed Soren had entirely the wrong idea, thinking she and Arnold had that sort of relationship?

Taking a deep breath, Anna tried to clarify, "No, Soren, it's not like that. I need to explain..."

But before she could continue, her phone lit up with 'Arnold' on the screen, accompanied by a rainbow and heart emoji.

Soren's mood darkened even further at the sight.

When did Arnold decide to add that touch of vanity to her contact name? Now, her chances of romance were utterly blocked.

Resigned, Anna answered the call, her voice laced with patience, "Arnold."

"Hey, you off work yet? I'm outside waiting for you."

Arnold's voice rang clear through the silent lab, with Soren catching every word.

The audacity of him showing up! Soren clenched his fists.

Anna was at a loss for words on how to explain the situation to Soren, deciding it was best to leave first and figure out the rest later.

The best plan is often to retreat!

With that thought, Anna offered Soren an apologetic smile, "Sorry, Soren, I've got to go."

Soren, sensing something was amiss, worriedly followed her out.

Outside, Arnold was chatting with a man in the passenger seat. "Since you both were free today, I thought it's high time you met Anna. She works in the lab, quite the impressive and independent person." Arnold's pride in Anna was unmistakable in his tone.

The man nodded, "Can't wait to meet this lady."

As Anna emerged from the lab, Arnold called out, "Anna, over here!" waving her over from the rolled-down car window.

And there, in the passenger seat, was the man from Soren's phone?

Confused, Anna exchanged a polite nod with the man, acknowledging Arnold's commendable choice; the man did indeed have a distinguished air about him.

Used to chivalry, Arnold walked over to open the car door for Anna, "Sorry you have to sit in the back today."

Soren, witnessing this, thought even less of Arnold, "You even brought this guy along?"

His comment made Anna freeze, realizing this was far from a peaceful resolution.

Arnold, puzzled by Soren's unexpected outburst, retorted,

Pn

"What's it to you, constantly showing up uninvited? I let this afternoon slide, but who appointed you the moral police here? Mind yourown business."

Anna's attempt at a smile didn't quite reach her eyes, reflecting the absurdity of comparing their situation to that of law enforcement, though not entirely inaccurate. Arnold couldn't help feeling targeted, wondering if Soren was trying to get close to Anna, or worse, him?

For a moment, Arnold viewed Soren differently, although he had to admit, Soren paled in comparison to his partner.

Soren, caught in the awkward comparison, couldn't help but think it unnecessary...

"Let's just go home for dinner, no point wasting time here," Arnold said, attempting to lead Anna away.

Quick as a flash, Soren grabbed Anna's hand, causing her to stand frozen.

In that brief touch, Anna's breath caught.

She stared at Soren, unable to hear his words over the pounding in her ears.

Arnold signaled to his companion, seeing this as an opportunity.

Stepping forward, he challenged, "What do you mean by that, Soren? What kind of man do you think I am?"

Anna snapped back to reality, still confused about the unfolding situation.

Vivienne and Percival, coming to collect some items from the lab, stumbled upon this standoff. They decided to watch from the sidelines, intrigued by the drama.

Vivienne couldn't shake the feeling of familiarity with the man beside Arnold, but the escalating situation quickly recaptured their attention.

"Hold on, Soren, are you misunderstanding something?" Anna interjected upon hearing his accusations, her brow furrowed in concern.

"Misunderstanding? He's openly

bringing someone to drive you home, and after what you've just seen, how could I possibly be mistaken?" Soren's frustration mounted, not giving Anna a chance to explain.

Vivienne playfully punched Percival on the arm, "Look at the mess your guy's made, bullying Anna like that. No wonder he's still single. Serves him right!" Throughout the ordeal, it was Soren who monopolized the conversation, until Arnold, unable to watch any longer, stepped in and pried Soren's grip from Anna's wrist. "You're the only one talking here. Did you even let her explain herself?"

Arnold's intervention clearly ruffled Soren, "What's it to you?"

"It's everything to me." Arnold smirked, arching an eyebrow provocatively, "Who do you think you're messing with?"

Before Soren could react, the man by Arnold's side swiftly subdued him, pinning him down with a speed that left Soren barely catching a glimpse before he was immobilized. "Arnold, what are you doing!" Anna exclaimed in shock.

She knew all too well that when Arnold got serious, he wouldn't hold back, especially since he had his own grievances with Soren.

"See him for what he is? A man who jumps to conclusions without giving you a chance to explain, who's quick to anger without seeking the truth. Are you sure you want to defend him?"