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.

released Vivienne and sidled up

you looking at, munchkins?” Vesper

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

nodded eagerly, “Yeah, Percival is now in

Percival

his eyes playfully asking, ‘Am I not

a reassuring gaze, ‘Of

no longer cared about the girls’

his daughters, “Girls,

shouted in

“Remember, we’re talking about looks

“Yeah, fourth,” Natalia reaffirmed.

was second, but now there’s Vesper,”

Maddox beats me?” Yuri feigned

said, men devalue after marriage. You, Uncle Fredrick, and Uncle Luke all

“Maddox, stay away

City, Maddox sneezed mightily and

the playful girls, Vivienne was

the children, pulled out two pairs of intricately made shoes from

into the shoes, designed to protect Natalia and Yasmine from

you like these shoes, Natalia, Yasmine?” Vesper

than any Mommy has painted. Vesper, can you teach her?” Natalia admired the

agreed. “Yes, please teach

the side. “Girls, mind

smiled and fitted the shoes on their feet, a perfect match as if tailor-made

you for your high

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

kids, Mr. and Mrs. Perez. No interference,” Vesper

and Zelda

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