The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

At a quaint little farmhouse.

Finnian, scrolling through Twitter trends, clicked his tongue in annoyance. “That damn girl! It’s just a bit of debt. Does she really need to chase me down for so long?”

Next to him sat a man in his mid-forties wearing a tracksuit.

The man glanced at his phone, then at Finnian. “Told you not to gallivant around, but no, you wouldn’t listen. Did you really think she wouldn’t find you?”

Setting his phone aside, Finnian poured himself a glass of whiskey and downed it before facing the man. “What does it matter? I would never have left my precious disciple for so long if it wasn’t for you. After all these years, not a soul came to check in on me. I’m starting to miss the kid’s medicinal cooking. Of course, her usual meals were delicious, too.”

The corner of the man’s mouth twitched. “You sure you can call that food?”

Finnian’s eyes widened. “Cut the sarcasm. My disciple’s cooking was delicious. It’s just you unappreciative folks who would say otherwise.”

“Fine! As long as you’re happy,” the man replied, clearly ending the conversation.

Finnian grumbled and took another swig of whiskey, then after a moment of silence, he said, “Look, how long are you gonna keep this up? Don’t outsmart yourself. That girl’s got a fiery temper. I tricked her once, and she nearly dug up my grave. With you… Well, you’re in for it!”

The man chuckled dryly. “You better worry about yourself. She’s found her way to Rivenwood. You can’t keep hiding forever.”

Finnian scowled. “If you’ve got nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all! Such a buzzkill.”

The man just shrugged and ignored him.

…

At the Ellington Group.

Fiona was clearing out her desk. The design department staff greeted her warmly, clearly sad to see her go.

keep up the good work after I leave, and get those new

Fiona. The new line’s already out. Mr. Ellington brought it in himself, a masterpiece from Master

Fiona’s eyes, quickly

well masked, in fact, everyone thought she was pleasantly

Jessica’s work. Now that she’s met the legend

what does Master Jessica look like?

Just get me an autograph,

company were not aware of Vivienne’s true identity as Master

I’m leaving the company, I have even less chance of seeing her again. I’m sorry,

staff did not press the issue but were visibly disappointed. Fiona had been incredibly popular at the company. With her departure, there was uncertainty about who would lead the design department. If a less amicable boss took over,

leaving the Ellington Group, Fiona

“Do it!”

…

and Vivienne were heading

you officially join the lab, you won’t have the

Vivienne replied, her eyes closed, arms crossed,

this, Astrid did not press

at the lab, saying, “Take care, Vivienne. I’ve got other tasks to attend to,

off and slipped on a pair of white gloves, which snugly wrapped around her

Astrid left, Vivienne turned to the

…

the Ellington

doctor could find no cause,

medical skills? Why not call her over?” Henry muttered, but seeing Percival’s stern face, he did

furrowed. “I

What good was it for my dad to care for

hurried in. “Excuse me, let

Fiona. “Mr. Ellington, let

wait much longer. Are we supposed