The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Without a word, Percival stepped forward and yanked the man being pecked at by the parakeet away from Birdie.

The man, powerless against the bird and certainly unable to resist Percival’s grip, allowed himself to be escorted to the lounge.

“Old Geezer! Old Geezer!” The parrot squawked triumphantly upon reaching Vivienne, ceasing its pecking frenzy to perch atop the man’s head, its tiny head held high in a display of pride as if to say: “Praise me, come on, praise me!”

Fuming, the man plucked Birdie from his head and, gripping its neck, growled menacingly, “You dumb bird, I should’ve wrung your neck when I had the chance. You ungrateful creature, what made you betray me this time?”

Flapping its wings in a futile attempt to escape, the parrot broke free and landed on Darren’s shoulder.

“Chicken tenders, chicken tenders!” It chirped.

Chicken tenders were Birdie’s favorite, and Darren had stocked up on them at home, dedicating half the freezer to the bird’s preferred snack.

Pounding his fist in frustration, the man lamented, “All for some chicken tenders, Darren? After all these years, couldn’t you have spoiled it with something fancier?”

The treacherous bird, selling him out for mere chicken tenders, just like that wretched girl!

Darren, still puzzled, asked, “Excuse me, sir, do we know each other?”

Percival, unfazed, stepped forward and ripped off the man’s disguise, revealing his true face.

Darren nearly collapsed in shock.

It was Finnian, Vivienne’s elusive mentor whom she had been hunting down for debts!

“Holy smokes! Finnian! Is that really you?”

Although Darren was a mere associate member of the mentorship, having fled the fold soon after joining, Finnian was still his mentor.

Caught off guard by Percival’s bold move, Finnian scrambled to cover his face with his elbow, exclaiming, “Wrong guy, you’ve got the wrong guy!”

Vivienne gritted her teeth fiercely. “Finnian! Put your hands down!”

including Percival and Finnian, was taken

familiar with Vivienne knew she was

smooth things with a sycophantic smile. “You silly lass, I was just

and you tell me it was a joke?” Vivienne stood up, her

to comfort her, “Oh, look at you, shedding precious tears. I’m fine, see? Stop crying, and come check the injury that dumb

Finnian’s head, but to everyone’s

again. You’re not hurt

was in a fluster, pulling out tissues and wiping away tears while apologizing profusely, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry! Oh dear, I haven’t seen you in a while, and you’ve become such

was too shocked

Vivienne crying?

merciless Vivienne, weeping

this not entirely out

a piece of paper and scribbling a few lines before silently sliding it

his disciple, paid no heed to Percival’s

suddenly grabbed Finnian’s hand, sliced his finger just enough to draw blood, and pressed it onto the paper with such speed that Finnian was taken

and flicked away her remaining tears. “Finnian, this is what you owe me.

closely at

IOU for 80 million

girl, conspiring with this outsider

IOU, her face devoid of any sorrow, replaced by a

an outsider. And don’t you think

finger at Vivienne. “A thousand dollars… Just a thousand, and you’ve been fixated on it for years! And now you’re charging me this outrageous

me from this ungrateful girl’s treachery? Why is my

even taking the time to pour Finnian a glass of water so he would not get hoarse

It seemed that the older

an accusing finger at Percival. “You dare to collude with this ungrateful girl to steal my money? You will never be welcomed into my home!

was momentarily taken aback but quickly

gently down, he smiled. “I’ll pay that

man. I knew I had not misjudged you. Look at that face, the epitome of a gentleman, truly one

even Darren, seasoned in the acting world, had

not wasted his time in solitary; his acting chops were as sharp

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