The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Percival glanced at Heloise, his long fingers fussing over a wrinkled cuff, his thin lips curled in a half-smile that was more sly than joyful.

Anxious at his silence, Heloise blurted, “Would you just say something? Your granddad’s in a bad way, and you’re still as cool as a cucumber? He really wasted his affection on you.”

Percival’s eyes lifted slightly, speaking leisurely, “The bracelet from Vivienne is fine.”

Heloise was unconvinced, retorting, “Just because you say it’s fine, it’s fine? Calista, please, take a look for us. This can’t be genuine. I always doubted that girl could get her hands on something from Specter Healer!”

Calista eyed Percival, who showed no reaction, and she gently suggested, “Mr. Ellington, perhaps it would be best if I take a look. What do you think?”

Heloise interjected, “Calista, never mind him. Just check it. If it’s a fake, toss it right away!” Henry was getting impatient; this was a rare opportunity.

If he could use this chance to take Percival down, it would be his family’s moment to shine!

Calista examined and sniffed it, her expression growing worse by the second.

“What’s the matter?” Heloise demanded. “Calista, please speak up.”

Calista sighed heavily, then said, “There’s not much wrong with the bracelet itself, but…”

“Out with it already. You’re killing me here!” Heloise urged.

Fiona tugged at Heloise’s arm. “Mom, calm down. Let Calista explain. What’s going on?”

Calista pressed her lips. “At first glance, this bracelet seems to be from Specter Healer, but it’s all wrong on closer inspection. Moreover, the materials inside are nothing but residue—useless and potentially harmful. They could exacerbate old ailments and cause various complications in the elderly.”

Heloise gasped. “I knew it! That Vivienne is nothing but trouble! Using this trash to harm our family patriarch is outrageous! This is as bad as murder!”

Henry’s anger was palpable. “She must pay for this. That wretched girl, I’ll take her to the police myself and make sure she never sees the light of day again!” He roared, ready to charge out, looking every bit the avenger wronged by Vivienne.

Fiona held him back. “Dad, maybe Vivienne was duped too. Don’t be hasty.”

inconsolable and set on settling the score

Suddenly!

him, and Henry found himself lifted into the air, then unceremoniously dumped on

Heloise screamed,

is still uncertain, and here you are, ready to kill your uncle to

icy gaze swept over them, sending chills down

moment, he took

the bracelet?” He asked, eyes cold as he looked

Henry down the stairs over a mere insult. Besides, it was Vivienne’s fault; how could Percival

It’s what triggered your grandfather’s illness.

eyes, his smile carrying a profound meaning, “Then

to the Ellington Mansion swung open, and Vivienne strode in with a box of strawberry cheesecake in

today.” Vivienne appeared in

over the cheesecake to Percival, her gaze flitted towards Fiona, adding depth to her

stunned expression only

taken aback. Why

she not

“Percival, I’ll leave you to handle things at home. I’m taking Dad

Vivienne called out, “Fiona, be careful on the road. I heard there’s been an accident on

“What did

penetrated deeply, her smile radiant in her bright

eyes, looked away. “I…I

leaving Henry to Heloise, and

on the road, but no one

her hand on the steering wheel,

the car’s speaker system

GPS

the tracker pointed

navigation, she drove in that