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?”

formula, glanced at it, and suddenly, his eyes narrowed, and he stood up abruptly, shock written all over his

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

responsible for the disguise and acquiring the

he was not clear on the

him,

and feared that Vivienne might be setting him up to

Mr. B stated firmly, “This is

and

was the real

No way!

not supposed to capture Mr.

would she give him

felt confused

he covered his emotions and said, “It seems Vivienne’s mother actually included the potion components in the perfume formula. Had we known, we would

was inscrutable, and after a moment,

watch, and everything appears normal,” Rowan

deal with them, withdraw from the

Rowan’s eyes flickered. “Understood.”

a pause, he

a new task,”

nodded, said no more, and

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

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

news! Dorian and Cordelia have been rescued!”

expression darkened, “What

were armed, and Quincy didn’t want to risk exposing our people infiltrated in Rivenwood, so no shots were

Mr. B

we do now? If Dorian and Cordelia reappear, our

momentarily and ordered, “Withdraw! Notify Quincy to evacuate our

“Understood.”

was about to leave when Ismene suddenly added, “If Vivienne’s people are the rescuers, it might be too late to withdraw now. Even this place

whoever we can,” Mr. B

discussion, Rowan