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

Suddenly!

Henry found himself lifted into

screamed,

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

them, sending chills down Heloise and

he took the

asked, eyes cold as he looked at

Percival to throw Henry down the stairs over a mere insult.

bracelet is problematic. It’s what triggered your grandfather’s illness. I think you must have Vivienne come over and

profound meaning, “Then let’s get to the bottom

with a box

Wolf, I brought you some strawberry cheesecake today.” Vivienne appeared in high spirits, her eyes twinkling with

gaze flitted towards Fiona, adding depth to

expression only deepened

aback. Why was

she not be

leave you to handle

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

paused. “What did

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

by Vivienne’s captivating eyes, looked away.

leaving Henry to

repeatedly on the road, but no one

the steering

tone from the car’s speaker system infuriated Fiona,

GPS and checked the

tracker pointed to somewhere

she drove