The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 234

“What?” The old man grumbled as he took the pack of cigarettes Anna tossed to him, skillfully slipping it into his jeans pocket. “People are always rummaging around here, as if there’s something worth finding among all this junk. It’s truly preposterous”

“Has anyone else been here recently?” Anna asked, her face showing signs of concern.

“Yeah. Some weirdos in black suits were here a few days ago and were tossing things around i asked them who they were and got nothing but bad attitude in return” The old man retorted, clearly irked by the disrespect he was given by those men.

“You’re okay, right?” Anna asked, her anxiety mounting.

“I’m fine. I threatened to call the cops, and they ran off The old man puffed out his chest with pride

Anna let out a sigh of relief. She and her friends, Percival and Vivienne, exchanged looks.

“Let’s get what we came for Anna led the way to the basement

Percival and Vivienne followed As Vivienne looked back, she locked eyes with the old man, who snorted before walking away with his head held high

making Vivienne frown.

Inside the basement.

This used to be Karen’s main lab. Upon entering. Vivienne noticed an abandoned 3D bio–printer.

She blinked in surprise, while Percival looked around the lab as a softness crept onto his normally stern face.

When he first visited this lab, he was just a child. At that time, he was completely awestruck by the wonders inside.

Later, when he understood that many of the beneficial medical advancements in the world came from here, he felt a swell of pride for his mentor

Unfortunately, the visionary behind all this was no longer with them

to their thoughts, headed straight to a hole in the corner. It

and gently tapped on the

out. They were lab rats.

to return shortly with a small glass vial

Vivienne asked as Anna picked up the vial and rewarded the rats with some cookies

bought the cookies and candy from a 24–hour convenience store earlier,

was hungry, not realizing it

of the lab rats used here before.” Anna

them to be quite intelligent and unafraid of me,

bere

hide something so important in a random rat hole?

you go” Anna handed the

without a

get going” Percival suggested

which were still squeaking around her feet, and followed

they emerged, the old man was

out to the empty air

response from a hidden corner

asked Anna, “What are your plans?”

state For years, she

members

have two choices. You can come with me and work for me, or

Anna stayed silent

time Percival said as he drove. “You still need go to university But dont do anything reckless again. vi might not always be there

Anna replied

was beginning to peak

It was 6:15 am so peak morning traffic was about to begin

‘Percival suggested to Vivienne My grandfather wants

Draven, asking him to bring the gifts the had prepared for