The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne)
Chapter 874

The man remained silent, simply fastening it for him without a word.

As his eyes regained their brightness, a four-story inn seemed to spring up at the foot of the mountains, its facade illuminated by two yellow lanterns swaying gently in the breeze.

Atop the highest balcony, a woman draped in a striking red gown, her beauty both stunning and eerie, sat with her long legs dangling over the edge, her hair cascading down like a waterfall. A string of red beads adorned her ankle, chiming softly with the wind.

Dracon's eyes flickered with admiration, but his visit was driven by the search for news about Diana Perez.

The silent man led him to the top floor of the inn before quietly picking up a broom to sweep the floors below.

Abigail's face was partially obscured by a veil, revealing only her captivating eyes. "You're unhappy about coming all this way, taking your frustrations out on my mute servant?"

Dracon found himself at a loss for words, realizing the reason behind the man's silence. "Rivenwood is vast; why choose such a remote place?"

Abigail casually flicked two pebbles, striking Dracon's knees and forcing him to kneel before her.

"So many in Rivenwood wish to capture me. Vivienne and Percival are relentless. If not here, where else could I hide? Would you die in my place when Vivienne comes for me?" she teased. Dracon's face turned pale, his hands clenched into fists, all because of Vivienne!

If not for her, Diana wouldn't have vanished. He had just learned the previous day that Vivienne was his own brother's daughter, nearly grinding his teeth to dust in frustration. "Where is Diana?" Dracon asked desperately.

Abigail glanced at him lazily. "Among the three Linklater brothers, your devotion rivals that of Arthur. Since you're so eager to see her, follow me."

She leaped down gracefully, her skirt billowing, and led Dracon to a hidden room within the inn, where a woman lay unconscious.

Dracon's heart surged with a mix of joy and sorrow at the sight of her familiar face.

"When will she wake?" he asked, his voice filled with urgency.

"She might never wake. Vivienne has taken her tongue, among other injuries," Abigail said lightly.

Dracon was shocked. "What?! Vivienne did that to Diana? She deserves death! I'll make her pay!"

Abigail noticed the hatred in his eyes and smirked. "I know a way to restore her completely."

Dracon's eyes narrowed. "How?"

"Ever heard of the Grimshaw family's heirloom, the Millennia Aegis? Bring it to me, and I can save your beloved."

Dracon nodded resolutely. "Anything for Diana."

The Linklater family.

Cars lined up at the grand entrance of the Linklater estate, which was unusually welcoming with its doors wide open and decorations adorning the facade.

Guests holding invitation cards to the family reunion streamed in, passing through the luxurious hallways to the inner chamber, where soft music filled the air. The elite gathered under the gentle glow of crystal chandeliers, with large silk tapestries hanging from the walls.

Holding a glass of champagne, Dracon scanned the room until his eyes landed on a woman making her way through the crowd. Alyssa Wright, in a white hand-embroidered gown, approached with a young boy by her side and a slightly younger woman.

Dracon greeted them warmly, "Alyssa, it's been too long. Surprised to see you at this gathering."

The Wright family, known for their real estate ventures across Veridia, held a considerable reputation.

Alyssa smiled. "When we heard the War God had found both a wife and a daughter, we were all astonished. I'm here to offer my congratulations on behalf of my family."

Dracon nodded. "I was surprised myself. I always thought you were the perfect match for my brother, given everything you've done for him."

Alyssa's smile wavered, her eyes revealing a hint of sadness, quickly masked by resilience. "Maybe it was never meant to be. Now that he's found happiness, I'm happy for him." Her friend Kate interjected, defending Alyssa's unwavering loyalty and the sacrifices she made waiting for him, only for him to move on without a word.

Alyssa, trying to maintain her dignity, asked Kate to stop, not wanting to appear desperate in front of Dracon.

Understanding the situation, Dracon subtly complimented Alyssa, implying she was still the most suitable match for his brother, despite his brother's new family with Karen. Alyssa cast a probing glance at Dracon, her curiosity piqued, "What are you getting at?"

With a mocking smile, Dracon replied, "Karen is the queen of manipulation. After she had my brother, she moved on to another man. Just a classic case of playing the field." Alyssa's hand flew to her mouth in shock, barely believing her ears, "Then why did she come back? And how could Arthur even think of taking her back?"

Dracon let out a sigh of regret, "She knows how to weave her spells, especially with her mind games. You know, the one thing a man replaces hard to let go of is his own flesh and blood. Like mother, like daughter - her daughter's tricks are even more cunning than her mother's."

"Oh my God, I can't believe it. Our Veridia War God, caught in such a mess? Alyssa, you've got to win him back. How could he end up with someone like that? Especially when you've been waiting for him all these years. You can't let Calista fall under her shadow," Kate said, her brows knitted in concern for Alyssa.

Alyssa cleared her throat softly, "I'll handle it, Dracon. After all, your brother and I go way back. I'll talk to him. If Karen truly isn't right for him, I trust he'll see sense soon enough."

"Alright, let's change the subject," Alyssa quickly steered the conversation away.