The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

A group huddled in conversation, but Jasper was soon dragged away to the backyard by the playful antics of two kids.

Vivienne, with an exasperated look, turned to Finnian, who was hunched over a box, inspecting its contents for authenticity. "Master, you've accepted the item. It's time to stop beating around the bush." Finnian paused, reluctantly closing the box before his tone shifted. "My dear girl, what do you take me for? Didn't I give you enough clues over the phone yesterday?"

In the whole wide world, if anyone knew Finnian best, Vivienne would proudly claim that spot without hesitation.

Before securing the so-called Heavenly-Snow Lotus, it'd be a cold day in hell before Finnian spilled the real beans.

To Vivienne, it was all about drawing information out of him, piece by piece.

She gave him a knowing look. "Would you really discuss something as valuable as the Heavenly-Snow Lotus over the phone?"

Finnian was momentarily speechless.

Wasn't his caution just to prevent eavesdroppers?

After all, it had taken him three days of relentless research to uncover that information. If it got into the wrong hands, he'd be livid.

The chill in the hall made their tea cool rapidly. Vivienne took a sip and grimaced slightly at its temperature.

Percival, noticing her discomfort, quickly intervened before any further conversation ensued. "Master, Vivienne, maybe it's better to continue this discussion inside. It's quite drafty out here." He then stood, offering his arm to Vivienne and leading her into the parlor.

Finnian, puzzled, looked around, failing to notice any draft.

Perhaps the younger generation was just more health-conscious.

In the parlor, Percival fetched a blanket for Vivienne and handed her a mug of hot water, ensuring her comfort.

Finnian, realizing he was out of the loop, stroked his beard and playfully chided, "Come here, let me check on you. How's your health?"

Vivienne inwardly groaned, fearing this moment.

After a visit to Dr. Sasha, she was already on a ten-day herbal regimen prescribed by Mr. Wolf.

she wondered if she'd ever

Master. Let's focus on

insisted, "Even your grandfather is in the dark about this. What, you think you can hide it from

met his

student grows beyond her teacher's control, I suppose. Luckily, I have nine other disciples. If I called them all now, we could at least fill a table..."

Percival watched, bemused.

"Ah, this is promising. A smooth pulse; it suggests a

the news, "Master, are you

teased, "You prefer a daughter,

to agree when he caught Vivienne's eye and quickly corrected himself, "I'll

have a good family life. Plenty of children in your future!" Percival couldn't

much thought to children. But the idea of having a family

turned their discussion towards fortunes, Vivienne interjected,

still holding her wrist, adopted a more serious tone, "Hold on. You've been through a

answered, "She's

it?" Finnian

but roll

finally released her wrist, then inquired, "Have you found

Vivienne frowned, "Not yet."

- from Brody's insights

advised, "Sometimes, the answer isn't on the surface. If you can't identify the cause, best to steer clear of potential triggers. Your well-being is paramount right now." Understanding

smiled, "You wouldn't let

you? Records of

are scarce, suggesting they've

As for the rumor you're interested

in, intrigued,

"Exactly. It's a tale as old as time - the more fantastical, the more fervent

closely matches your description, involving an ancient ritual of consuming human hearts for

immortality. It requires two additional artifacts, though their efficacy is unproven. It

piqued. While such tales might seem far-fetched to some,