The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Out in the suburbs, nestled among the rolling green hills, stood a grand villa. Rowan and Ismene, disguised as the Dorian and Cordelia, hurried to the place, urgency etched on their faces.

Inside the living room, Mr. B lounged on a plush sofa, a glass of fine red wine in hand, his silver mask catching the light and shimmering mysteriously.

Exchanging a quick, knowing glance, Rowan and Ismene approached. “Mr. B.”

Mr. B’s eyes lifted slightly, offering them a cursory glance. “It’s been a while. Still no sign of the potion?”

“Ever since Vivienne’s probing last time, we’ve been cautious about making our next move. We’ve mentioned the potion to her, but she’s tight-lipped,” Rowan said, trying to maintain composure. “Ismene and I have been busy setting up a fragrance company. It’s starting to take shape. Yesterday, Vivienne handed over the perfume formula.”

Following Vivienne’s instructions, they had been staying with the Brooks, but their presence was to be minimal.

They were mostly outside, occupied with the company’s business.

They had to proceed with the company as planned to avoid arousing Mr. B’s suspicions, which naturally slowed progress.

Lately, Vivienne had them stay at the company they were supposedly setting up, and they had been nearly absent from the Brooks Mansion for about a month.

Their occasional visits were brief, with little conversation, and they left soon after meals.

During this time, Mr. B had not reached out to them at all.

They were anxious to resolve this matter and get the antidote for the poison coursing through their veins. The excruciating pain when the poison flared was unbearable. They needed to conclude this business and secure the antidote soon.

Therefore, Rowan had repeatedly asked Vivienne whether they should contact Mr. B to find his whereabouts.

But Vivienne had told them it was unnecessary; she had her plans.

So, they could only wait.

Recently, Mr. B had suddenly sent a message summoning them, and after informing Vivienne, they were allowed to come.

“Really?” Mr. B raised an eyebrow. “You’ve secured the perfume formula?”

“Yes.” Rowan handed over the formula Vivienne had given him. “Take a look. Does this contain the components of the potion?”

B took the formula, glanced at it, and suddenly, his eyes narrowed, and

inquired cautiously, noting his reaction, “Mr. B? Is there a problem with

only responsible for the disguise and acquiring

not clear on the actual components of

what Vivienne had given him, he was

reaction, he was puzzled and feared that Vivienne might be setting him up to be eliminated

Mr. B stated firmly,

Rowan and Ismene

was the

No way!

not supposed to capture

would she give him the

felt confused

mother actually included the potion components in the perfume formula. Had we

was inscrutable, and after a moment, he asked,

and everything appears normal,”

from the Brooks family,” Mr.

Rowan’s eyes flickered. “Understood.”

a pause, he asked, “What about

assign her a new

said no more, and left

departure, Mr. B stared at the formula in his hands, his gaze

Ismene rushed back in just as Mr. B prepared to leave the

news! Dorian and Cordelia have

expression darkened,

Quincy called, saying a group of well-trained intruders had stormed in. They didn’t utter a word before engaging in a fight. They were armed, and Quincy didn’t want to

B roared

“What do we do now? If Dorian and Cordelia

thought momentarily and ordered, “Withdraw!

“Understood.”

suddenly added, “If Vivienne’s people are the rescuers, it might be too late to withdraw now. Even this place could be compromised

we can,” Mr. B

discussion, Rowan and Ismene