The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne nodded thoughtfully. It seemed that the entity within Jasper had a consciousness after all.

Gracefully setting the cup down, Vesper continued to instruct Vivienne, “Make sure you visit your grandfather on the ninth of every month. Take note of every pulse, remember it, and record it. Find the pattern. If you want to rid Jasper of this thing entirely, it will take a considerable amount of time.”

“I understand. Thank you for your guidance, Mr. Linklater,” Vivienne replied with a polite nod, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of determination.

Percival approached with his smartphone in hand. “Would you mind if we exchanged contact details, Mr. Linklater? In case anything else happens with Jasper, we could reach you promptly.”

“I do mind,” Vesper curtly refused, his aloof demeanor mirroring Vivienne’s when they first met.

Unperturbed, Percival simply said, “I just wish to be able to reach out for help when necessary.”

“Your fiancée is more than capable. The title of Specter Healer isn’t just for show,” Vesper said, nodding towards Vivienne with a hint of pride.

Vivienne blinked in surprise. “You know of me?”

“Of course. We’re both in the medical field. Who hasn’t heard of the Specter Healer?”

“Compared to you, my achievements are modest. I insist, please, could you share a way to contact you?” Vivienne did not want to miss the opportunity to connect with this enigmatic figure.

Vesper remained steadfast in his refusal. “My consultancy fees are steep, Mr. Perez. Make sure the payment is transferred to my account. Here’s my account number.”

Yuri accepted the card with both hands. “Of course.”

Vivienne and Percival exchanged a look, realizing Vesper had no intention of leaving any trace behind.

Upon examining the card, Vivienne found nothing but Vesper’s name. No leads.

This man was definitely more than he seemed.

Just then, Natalia and Yasmine burst in from preschool, making a beeline for Vivienne.

“Vivienne!” They chorused, wrapping her in a tight hug.

Vesper watched the scene, a burst of laughter breaking on his usually impassive face.

his laughter, the girls released Vivienne and

at, munchkins?” Vesper crouched

back at Vesper. “I used to think Percival was the most handsome man ever, but you’re even

eagerly, “Yeah, Percival

Percival

eyes playfully asking, ‘Am I not

responded with a reassuring gaze, ‘Of course you

the

beside his daughters, “Girls, where does Daddy

shouted in

talking about looks ranking, not my place at

“Yeah, fourth,” Natalia reaffirmed.

was second, but now

beats me?” Yuri feigned

You, Uncle Fredrick, and Uncle

thought, “Maddox, stay away from

away, in Sea City, Maddox sneezed mightily and turned up the heat

Vivienne was growing fonder

two pairs of intricately made shoes from

materials stitched into the shoes, designed to protect Natalia and Yasmine from mosquitoes and

shoes,

flowers are prettier than any Mommy has painted. Vesper, can

agreed. “Yes, please teach

side. “Girls, mind your

on their feet, a perfect match as if tailor-made

thank you for your high

tried to protest.

and Mrs. Perez. No

fondness, Yuri and Zelda

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