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?”

terror, Calista could detect a note of amusement in the

aura he exuded – one of unflinching ruthlessness – was never present in

B. I told her that name was too harsh, not fitting for a girl.

of Calista, seemingly

is right…” Calista

nodded approvingly, “That’s my girl. It’s a shame, really. Raising her to be wiped out

raced. Mr. B –

would explain the

would you

her life hung by a thread, useful

“Good girl. I do have a task for

of me!” Calista agreed

“Then brace yourself.”

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

the living hell out of Calista, F-Poison said calmly, “I don’t have a choice. Vivienne recognizes

the beating and filled with misery,

…

At the Ellington family.

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

were the last to arrive, bearing

beside him as naturally as if she had always

jealousy. Even after years of marriage into the family, she had never dared to claim such intimacy

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

gaze, a trace of guilt in his eyes. She paid it no