Chapter 420


    Astrid nodded affirmatively. "Yes, I''ve checked their IDs. They''re agents from M State, probably here


    because they wanted to steal top-secret bio-weapon intel. As for Alfred and me, we''re the heads of the


    Vivienne pressed her lips, ncing back at Astrid, who looked slightly guilty. Then, Vivienne asked,


    "Why would you tell me something so critical?"


    Astrid nced at Alfred, who sighed, saying, "Tell her. She has to know sooner orter."


    "Vivienne," Astrid continued, "We''ve been keeping an eye on you, recognizing your brilliance in


    medicine."


    "We''ve been cooped up at home because the agency tasked us with a mission. They want you to join


    ourb and contribute to the nation''stest bio-weapons project."


    Vivienne''s interest piqued. "Bio-weapons?"


    "Yes. Even in these peaceful times, M State is lurking, concocting various viruses to disrupt world


    peace. We need to be prepared, and this bio-weapons program has been ongoing for years, just


    without significant progress."


    "Why do you think I''d make a difference?" Vivienne raised an eyebrow, her gazeden with meaning.


    Astrid pulled a document from her bag - Vivienne''s perfume form she had given to Dorian!


    "I took your perfume form to theb for analysis. The head researcher said the data aligns closely


    with our bio-weapon experiments. Your form led to a breakthrough, so I sincerely invite you to join


    us and lend your expertise to our national defense."


    Vivienne flicked her earlobe dismissively. "Not interested."


    Astrid was taken aback by Vivienne''s blunt refusal that did not have even a hint of diplomacy.


    "I know today''s events have you worried about your safety, but rest assured, if you join us, we''ll ensure


    you’re fully protected."


    Vivienne snorted. "If it weren''t for us today, would you two even be alive to have this conversation?"


    Astrid nearly bit her tongue, looking awkwardly at Vivienne. "Sorry, my oversight today."


    Alfred said, "We''ve managed to shake off some tails recently. We didn''t suspect any agents in action,


    our apologies."


    "Speaking of which, I find it strange. With all themotion, not one of the Ellingtons'' bodyguards


    showed up until Mr. Ellington called them over. Aren''t we close to the banquet hall? Wasn''t the


    explosion loud enough for them to hear?" Astrid frowned, her features half-shadowed in the dim light as


    she pondered.


    Alfred also furrowed his brow. "Vivienne, I suggest you avoid the Ellingtons for now. I''m concerned..."


    "Spare your concerns for exining this to our parents," Vivienne said, turning away from the


    ''righteous'' duo.


    Mentioning their parents brought a flicker of guilt across Astrid''s face. "Vivienne, Alfred and I aren''t


    really a couple. It''s just a cover for our mission, so we''re not married. But could you keep this a secret?


    I don''t want to worry Mom."


    "Fine." Vivienne nodded.


    Reaching Dorian’s home, Vivienne and Astrid stepped out of the car.


    "Vivienne," Percival said as he emerged from the shadows.


    Astrid understood they needed to talk and, after a brief greeting, helped Alfred into the house.


    Back in the car, Percival removed a bug from the back seat.


    With a snap, Vivienne crushed it.


    Meanwhile, back in the house, Astrid, in agony, removed her hidden earpiece and tossed it on the


    table, "We need to push harder, or she won''t agree."


    Alfred nodded. "Indeed."


    In the car, Vivienne tossed the remains of the bug out the window. "Mr. Wolf, this time, I gave them one


    round for free like you suggested, but that’s it.”


    ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Percival caressed Vivienne''s cheek, his fingers savoring the silky touch like cream on sugar, "Next


    time, we y by your rules."


    At this moment, Leopold called, and Percival activated the Bluetooth. "Speak."


    An exasperated voice came through, "These tough nuts need a taste of their own medicine. I say we


    go off the books!"


    Percival replied coolly, "Treat the prisoners with care."


    Then, the sound of Leopold punching someone came from the other side of the line.


    "Damn, did you just try to bite your tongue off? You think I approved that? Cap, this isn''t going off the


    books."


    "Good job, keep the interrogation tight."


    "Will do."


    After Leopold hung up, a chill danced in Percival''s eyes. "These men might not know the truth. We still


    need to find him."


    Vivienne nodded. "Don''t worry, I''ve got it covered."


    At the Ellington Mansion, Percival opened the door to find Fiona in tears beside Richard.


    When Fiona saw Percival, she turned away, dabbing at her fallen tears. She had only processed the


    situation after confirming Percival and Vivienne’s safety.


    On the surface, everything had seemed fine. They were still the model cousins of the household.


    But Percival''s attitude toward her today was unexpectedly cold.


    "Percival,e here," Richard called.


    Percival loosened his suit jacket and tossed it on the couch. "Grandpa, what do you need?"


    "Fiona, you tell him." Co?tent оf Draмa?ovеls.cом


    Her n had failed, and she was forced to continue ying the role of Percival''s doting cousin.


    "I am still an Ellington, and over the years, I''ve contributed more than just 300 million dors to the


    today?"


    Percival lifted his eyes slightly, his gazending on Fiona''s slightly angered face. "Yes, if you offend


    them again, I''ll make sure you won''t even be able to stay in Rivenwood."


    Fiona looked at Percival coldly, pausing for a few seconds before replying, "You..."