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.

laughter, the girls released Vivienne and

at, munchkins?” Vesper crouched down to

her head, Natalia glanced at Percival and then back at Vesper. “I used to think Percival was the most handsome man ever,

eagerly, “Yeah, Percival is now

Percival feigned a wounded

to Vivienne, his eyes playfully

responded with a reassuring gaze, ‘Of course

longer cared about the

beside his daughters, “Girls, where does Daddy

they shouted in

reiterated, “Remember, we’re talking about looks ranking,

“Yeah, fourth,” Natalia reaffirmed.

Uncle Maddox was second, but

Uncle Maddox beats me?”

marriage. You, Uncle Fredrick, and Uncle Luke all lost on that account. Such

stay away from

City, Maddox sneezed mightily and turned up

at the playful girls, Vivienne

of intricately made shoes from

the shoes, designed to protect Natalia

shoes, Natalia, Yasmine?”

are prettier than any Mommy has painted. Vesper,

“Yes,

side. “Girls, mind your

shoes on their

yours, a thank you for your

to protest. “Mr. Linklater, we couldn’t possibly

kids, Mr. and Mrs. Perez. No interference,” Vesper insisted as he ruffled

Yuri and Zelda

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