The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne)
Chapter 438

Vivienne chuckled softly, "Just a small issue. Drink more water, and cut down on soft drinks. The toxins might be flushed out, but don't overlook the aftereffects. Keep hydrating to wash away any remnants." "Thanks, Vivienne," Astrid replied, pouring Vivienne a glass of water. "I'll be heading back to work at the office in a few days. I'm going to need you to keep an eye on things at home. It's been..." "No need for a speech," Vivienne interjected as Astrid started to get sentimental.

Astrid grinned. "What can I do? You're just too lovable. Even chatting with you feels like a breath of fresh air."

Sometimes, she wondered if she had saved the galaxy in a past life since this lifetime had blessed her with such a wonderful sister.

She could not be there to care for her parents or look after her little brother Thaddeus properly. Without Vivienne, she was at a loss.

And this time, if not for Vivienne, she might have... Well, she might not have made it at all.

As an agent for the National Security Bureau, she was acutely aware of the grim fate awaited someone like her if captured by enemy spies.

If not for Mr. B needing her DNA to conceal her identity and Alfred wanting to wring state secrets from her, she would have been silenced long ago.

Their last attempt to transfer her was meant to be the end of her. Her hair and eyes were more than sufficient to get her DNA.

If Vivienne had not found her in time, she would have faced not just death but the horror of being left unrecognizable.

Vivienne tapped her wrist lightly. "If you feel awkward about it, how about we pull some strings? What do you say?" Astrid paused for a moment. "Pull some strings?"

"Yeah," said Vivienne, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

"What are you up to, Vivienne?" Astrid asked, puzzled.

Vivienne pulled out a document from her bag, an idea she had had since leaving the TIC Research Institute.

She had yet to replace the right opportunity to implement it.

But with Astrid's connections, they could surely replace the perfect place.

Astrid glanced over the document and declared, "I'll report this to our superiors right away."

Her decisiveness outpaced even Cordelia. Before Vivienne could respond, Astrid was already on the phone with her boss.

Vivienne could not help but laugh somewhat helplessly.

She realized where Thaddeus got his slow nature-it was all Dorian's influence.

Astrid definitely took after Cordelia.

Astrid returned quickly with what Vivienne needed. "Vivienne, the boss says your idea is solid. The country will definitely back it up. We'll provide the location for free, but all replaceings must comply with national regulations and pass through the National Security Bureau. Do you agree?"

"Agreed," Nodded Vivienne.

Her research was always meant for the nation; she had no intention of keeping it for herself.

She stowed away her belongings and said, "I should get going."

Percival was waiting outside and escorted her to the car.

Today, he was in a particularly good mood, a smile playing on his lips.

He reached into the back and presented Vivienne with a box of strawberry cake.

No matter how many times she saw it, Vivienne's eyes lit up at the sight of the cake.

"Mr. Wolf, I won't just take your cake for nothing. I'll trade you this," she said, handing over the item she held.

Percival opened it and chuckled. "Only you know me so well."

He had been planning to relocate the TCL lab, and Vivienne had already found the perfect spot!

While enjoying the cake, Vivienne said, "I want to merge the TCL lab with the YQ lab. Our research directions are the same; there's no need for two separate facilities.

This is the lab secured through Astrid's superiors. The nation will oversee the results directly, but the credit will still go to the lab. The specifics are in the contract-take a look, okay?"

She was intent on fulfilling her mother's last wishes, to complete the research she had left unfinished.

As for everything else, it mattered little to her.

Percival thought of his mentor, feeling a twinge of sadness.

After his mentor's passing, he set up the TCL lab to carry on her research and ensure the medical advancements she made would endure.

Merging TCL with YQ would mean more powerful medical technologies and more resources.

More importantly, it would have the nation's endorsement, keeping outside interference at bay.

Percival would not need to rely on upper-level approvals to keep the lab afloat.

"Vivienne, you've got a great idea," Percival said, about to pull her close when she turned, swiftly polishing off the last of the cake.

Percival thought, "Do I look like I'm after your cake?"

Vivienne's silent response was, "Yes, definitely."

She swallowed the last bite. "Mr. Wolf, I traded you for this."

Percival sighed silently. Suddenly, noticing the trace of cream on her lips, he leaned in and kissed it gently.

The taste of cream and the sweetness of strawberries could not compare to the unique flavor of Vivienne herself.

Looking at Vivienne's radiant cheeks, Percival felt a surge of affection. It took all his willpower to restrain himself.

His lady was still young; he could not be so beastly.

From the driver's seat, Leopold thought in exasperation, "And you call yourself civilized? My Vivienne, our goddess, and here you are besmirching her!" Vivienne blinked and looked into Percival's eyes.

Suddenly, she lunged forward, pinning him against the car window, and kissed him fervently.

Leopold discreetly lowered the privacy screen.

"I can't stand being Vivienne and Percival's chauffeur anymore! I just can't!"

Leopold pulled up to Elite University.

Today was the day Elite University broke for summer vacations.

Anna was already waiting at the school gates, dressed in simple jeans, a white tee, and carrying a well-worn canvas backpack.

Her eyes were hidden behind thick-rimmed glasses, making her the kind that blended into the crowd, easily overlooked.

"Hey, girl, did you call for a ride?" Leopold rolled down the window, giving Anna a whistle.

Anna shot him a cool glance. "Can I file a complaint? Since when can husky be chauffeurs?"

Vivienne rolled down her window, too. "Get in."

Seeing Vivienne, the frostiness on Anna's face melted away. She walked around the car and sat on the passenger seat.

But Vivienne's gaze lingered, landing on Aaron, who was approaching from a distance.

"Vivienne!" Aaron greeted her with a thrilled voice.

Percival just stood there, silent.

This kid was so persistent!

"Vivienne, what brings you here?" Aaron asked with a half-bow, smiling at her.

His eyes seemed to see no one else but her.

"I came to meet a friend." Vivienne glanced over and noticed the Brooks family's car not too far away.

It was Ronald and Mark.

Aaron saw her looking toward Ronald and quickly explained, "My dad said there's a soiree at the Brooks' tonight, and he's asked me to join. They're here to pick me up."