The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Walter scratched his itchy chin, his voice tinged with hesitation, “Miss, maybe we should just head back.”

Vivienne, that woman was sharp as a tack.

Even if she hadn’t sniffed out the oddities, Percival surely would have.

Walter couldn’t fathom what Victoria was thinking.

To just drop Kaitlyn off at the suburban mall and then drag herself here to suffer – it was like setting herself up to be stood up.

As Walter silently grumbled, he dared not voice his true thoughts aloud.

Victoria was running out of patience.

It was getting late into the afternoon, and still, no one had shown up, which led her to bellow in frustration, “Looks like we’ve got no choice but to go with plan B. We’re not waiting any longer! Let’s get out of here and deal with Vivienne later!”

…

The next day, at the Linklater residence.

Arthur had been tied up with business at the Vanguard Agency, and it was a rare moment for him to be home.

Yorick was taking his siesta, and he hadn’t allowed anyone to disturb him.

Ascending the stairs alone, Arthur pushed open the door to his father’s room and saw him reclining in his rocking chair, eyes closed in repose.

Dracon was seated beside him, but at the sound of the door, he looked up.

masked his irritation with deference and

hand to silence him, “Dad’s resting. Keep it

nodded respectfully and tiptoed back to his father’s side, his hands fidgeting

eyes darkened, “Didn’t you say over the phone that Dad’s recovery was going well? This doesn’t

pale it was almost translucent. His

at any

was both envious and fearful of

probing, sweat beaded on Dracon’s forehead. “Arthur, I didn’t mean to keep things from you. It’s Dad; he didn’t want to distract you or Hector from your work, so he told

she was finally acknowledged by the Brooks family, only to see them fall into ruin soon after. I’ve heard rumors that she

that Dad got poisoned. Now, his condition’s been worsening day by day. I’m afraid

“Specter Healer?”

a barely detectable smile flicker across his face, “Yes, but this person is elusive; not just

Vivienne was the Specter Healer was a closely guarded secret within

Veridia, would surely have the means to persuade Vivienne to

amenable. It was the perfect scenario for Dracon to sit back and watch the

think we should take Percival into custody. He administered the poison, so he must have the antidote!”

eyes flashed imperceptibly, “I will have someone search for the Specter Healer. As for Dad, a professional caregiver

“What?”

to be difficult to deceive but had not expected to be sidelined, “Arthur, don’t you trust me? I know I’m the black sheep of the family. I’ve never made anyone proud. All my sisters have their achievements, and I’m the only one who’s fallen short.

long enough to rouse Yorick from his

eyes swept over Dracon with an inscrutable look, “I agree

“Dad!”

outside for a moment. Dad and I have things to discuss. You can come

…

apartment, Vivienne finally had a moment