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.

after I leave, and get those new

Mr. Ellington brought it in himself, a masterpiece

flicker of jealousy passed through Fiona’s eyes,

well masked, in fact, everyone thought

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

look

she’s a celebrity or what? Just get me an autograph,

Vivienne’s true identity as Master Jessica, and Percival had made sure those who did know kept it

I’m leaving the company, I have even less chance of seeing

press the issue but were visibly disappointed. Fiona had been incredibly popular at the company. With her departure, there was uncertainty about who would

the Ellington Group, Fiona made

“Do it!”

…

Vivienne were heading

you discussed this with Percival? If you officially join the lab, you won’t have the same freedom as you do now,” Astrid said, looking at Vivienne with

Vivienne replied, her eyes closed, arms crossed,

did not

Vivienne. I’ve got other tasks to attend

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

Vivienne turned to the team

…

at the Ellington

collapsing unconscious. The private doctor could find no cause, and even the

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

brow was furrowed. “I can’t reach Vivienne right

like this, none of you are of any use. What good was it for my dad to care for you?” Henry scoffed, then cried out towards Richard’s room. “Dad, if only Jeffrey were well, he’d have gotten you the

“Excuse me, let

stepped out from behind Fiona. “Mr.

wait much longer. Are we supposed to wait for Master Jessica to come and show him