The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

In the dimly lit basement of a house tucked away in the sleepy suburb of Rivenwood, Calista found herself inexplicably transported to this place, shrouded in darkness.

She huddled on the cold floor, with the constant, eerie sound of dripping water echoing throughout the room. Each drop seemed to land directly on her heart, causing her to shiver uncontrollably.

The bruises from Mr. B’s beating had not fully healed, and she winced at the occasional twinge of pain.

After what felt like an eternity, punctuated only by drifting in and out of sleep, Calista finally heard footsteps approaching.

Scrambling to kneel, she began to plead toward the sound, “Mr. B, I’ve done it – I’ve developed the Boar Poison, just like the sample you gave me. Please, I beg you, let me go!”

Click.

A blinding light suddenly filled the room, causing her to squeeze her eyes shut in pain and fear.

“You’ve got the wrong person, sweetheart. Stand up.”

Calista’s heart skipped a beat at the sound of the voice, not unlike the mechanical tone Mr. B had once used before dropping her facade.

As her eyes adjusted, she could make out a figure dressed just like Mr. B – a trench coat and a fedora shadowing his face.

“You’re not Mr. B?” She whispered, disbelief lacing her words.

“I’m the boss, the one she answered to. Call me boss if you like, but I’m not fond of the title. I prefer you call me F-Poison.”

F-Poison dusted off her coat nonchalantly. “Ah, got it. You thought I was Belle because of the outfit, right?”

her terror, Calista could detect a note of amusement in the grating

one of unflinching ruthlessness – was

not fitting for a girl. ‘Clementine’

Calista,

you say is right…” Calista stuttered, seated on

approvingly, “That’s my girl. It’s a shame, really. Raising

B

the

F, what would you have me do? I am

her life hung by a thread, useful only

patted her head. “Good girl. I do have a

willing, Mr. F. Whatever you ask of me!” Calista agreed instantly, her survival

“Then brace yourself.”

react, F-Poison struck her across the face. As Calista fell, her consciousness

living hell out of Calista, F-Poison said calmly, “I don’t have a choice. Vivienne recognizes people by their bones, and a simple disguise won’t work. I have to

beating and filled with misery, Calista blacked

…

At the Ellington family.

family was rarely complete, and tonight was an exception. With Fiona in her wheelchair, brought by Heloise, and even the elusive Kenneth

and Vivienne were the last to

sitting beside him as naturally as

such

the family’s all here. Once your uncle arrives, we can start dinner,” Richard announced, clearly delighted

in his eyes. She paid it no minBooks Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All