The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne)

Sasha could see that Winston genuinely adored the flower, but it belonged to the Linklater family's pond, a unique and rare dual-colored peony, no less. Getting it would require Arthur's approval. Alyssa's eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she spoke softly, "I didn't think it through. I saw how much my brother loved it and wanted to give it to him. Winston has always been the apple of our family's eye and I overstepped."

"But I must ask, Ms. Perez, could you please consider gifting us that dual-colored peony? I wouldn't take it for nothing; I'm willing to trade something for it!"

"My grandfather always said we should make sure Winston leaves happy, and I want to honor that."

Her sincerity was evident, showcasing nothing but a sister's deep love and commitment.

Arthur furrowed his brows, his voice deep and serious, "It's just a peony. The Linklater family can cultivate another if we choose. I already promised him a flower from the pond, one he could pick himself." What was meant to be a joyful gift of flowers was now a mess, thanks to Alyssa, souring Arthur's mood significantly.

Trouble seemed to follow this woman!

Alyssa glanced at the coveted peony, still out of reach. If she wanted to take it home without ruining it, she'd need to cut it carefully at the stem.

Surrounded by other flowers and leaves, she found herself in a dilemma, her pleading eyes turning to Arthur, silently asking for his help to retrieve the flower.

Arthur's patience was wearing thin as he asked, "Do you want me to arrange a boat for you so the boatman can help you pick that peony?"

Alyssa's face flushed with excitement, "Really? You'd do that?"

Arthur was actually considering arranging a boat for her to go flower picking.

Arthur, with a tone of disbelief, "...Just stand on it, lean over, and you can pick the dual-colored peony."

This woman seemed to lack common sense!

After that, Arthur carried Winston away, following Sasha's lead.

Alyssa's face turned pale, frustration boiling within her. Sasha's arrival had changed Arthur's attitude towards her entirely!

Standing on a bench in the gazebo, she leaned over precariously, reaching for the peony. Her balance wavered.

As she finally managed to grasp the flower, a sinister smirk crossed her face, momentarily revealing her true feelings.

When Sasha and Winston returned, carrying strips of bacon, with Arthur trailing behind, Alyssa's eyes sparkled with an odd excitement.

Still pretending to struggle with the flower, as Sasha and Winston approached, Alyssa dramatically fell into the water, creating a huge splash.

Desperately splashing, her cries for help pierced the air, "Help... please, save me..."

Winston, concerned, rushed over, trying to extend a small fishing rod to her.

But Sasha's stern voice halted him, "Winston! Stop!"

Without hesitation, Sasha dived in after noticing the depth was more than she anticipated. She swiftly located Winston and brought him to the surface. Arthur arrived in panic, and after Sasha handed Winston to him, he began emergency procedures. Winston coughed up water, slipping in and out of consciousness. Meanwhile, Sasha climbed out, her tone dark, "There's another person in the water; I couldn't carry her."

Arthur dove in without a word, pulling Alyssa to safety. Once rescued, she coughed violently, gradually regaining her senses.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Sitting soaked and muddy on the ground, Alyssa frantically looked for Winston, her voice trembling with fear for her brother.

Sasha, with a chilling gaze, assured, "He's being taken care of by his personal servants. He'll wake up soon."

"I need to see him now!" Alyssa demanded, overwhelmed with worry.

Elsewhere, Arthur had arranged for Winston to be treated in a special room, with two personal servants attending, ensuring he was alright after the ordeal.

When Alyssa arrived, her face was

streaked with tears as she looked at Winston lying in the hospital bed, overwhelmed with guilt and sorrow. She turned her head, glaring with tearful eyes at Sasha, "Why didn't you stop my brother? He's so young, and you let him fall into the water!"

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"I get that we'ye had our differences, but that should have been between us. You shouldn't drag my little brother into this! He trusted you much or else I would never have brought him over to the Linklater family's place to hang out!"

Alyssa's accusations came hard and fast, conveniently omitting any mention of her own responsibility in the matter.

Arthur burst out, "What are you even ranting about? I'd like to ask you, you were the one who wanted to pick that rare two-toned rose, standing on the chair at the gazebo which was plenty stable. How did you end up falling?"

This question caught Alyssa off

guard, and she soon started sobbing, was standing on the chair and lost my balance, tumbling down. If only, Arthur, you had agreed to help me pick it, maybe none of this would have happened!"

Since Arthur wouldn't take her side, Alyssa realized she had to speak up for herself.