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

Suddenly!

into the

Dear!” Heloise screamed,

grandfather’s fate is still uncertain, and here you are,

sending

took the bracelet

He asked, eyes cold as he

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

“Mr. Ellington, the bracelet is problematic. It’s what triggered your grandfather’s illness.

smile carrying a profound

the doors to the Ellington Mansion swung open, and Vivienne strode in with a box of strawberry cheesecake in hand, paying no mind to

today.” Vivienne appeared in high spirits, her

gaze flitted towards Fiona, adding depth to her

Fiona’s stunned expression

aback. Why

she not be

you to handle things at home. I’m taking

on the road. I heard there’s been an accident on Capital Avenue—a delivery truck collided

“What did

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

unsettled by Vivienne’s captivating eyes, looked away. “I…I have

rushed out, leaving Henry to Heloise, and sped

dialed a number repeatedly on the road,

the steering wheel, shouting,

continuous busy tone from the car’s

GPS

the tracker pointed to somewhere near

she