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?”

could detect a note

but the aura he exuded – one of unflinching ruthlessness –

was too harsh, not fitting for a girl. ‘Clementine’ would’ve been much cuter.

squatted in front of Calista, seemingly earnest in her

right…” Calista stuttered, seated on

a shame, really.

raced. Mr. B –

the sudden change of

you have me do? I am at

a thread, useful only

F-Poison’s face as he patted her head. “Good girl.

you ask of me!” Calista agreed instantly, her survival instinct trumping all

“Then brace yourself.”

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

of Calista, F-Poison said calmly, “I don’t have a choice. Vivienne recognizes people

and filled with misery, Calista

…

At the Ellington family.

and tonight was an exception. With Fiona in her wheelchair, brought

Vivienne were the last to

sitting beside him as naturally as if

of marriage into the family, she had never dared to claim such intimacy with Richard. Yet here was Vivienne, not even officially part of the

your uncle arrives, we can start dinner,” Richard announced, clearly delighted at the prospect of

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