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.”

Henry was inconsolable and set on settling the

Suddenly!

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

Heloise screamed, rushing down to

checking he was not seriously injured, she glared at Percival. “Your grandfather’s fate is

over them, sending chills down Heloise and Henry’s

he took the bracelet

He asked, eyes cold

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

bracelet is problematic. It’s what triggered your grandfather’s illness. I think

his eyes, his smile carrying a profound meaning, “Then let’s

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

you some strawberry cheesecake today.” Vivienne appeared

gaze flitted towards Fiona, adding depth to

expression

was taken aback.

not

stairs, suppressing her shock, “Percival, I’ll leave you to handle things at

the road. I heard there’s been an accident

“What

careful.” Vivienne’s gaze penetrated deeply, her smile radiant in her

eyes, looked away. “I…I have

she rushed out, leaving Henry to Heloise, and

dialed a number repeatedly on

hand on the steering wheel,

continuous busy tone from the car’s speaker system infuriated

GPS and checked the

tracker pointed to somewhere

navigation, she drove in that