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 see the light of

poker face, she replied, "No need, Master. Let's focus on the matter at hand.

in the dark about this. What, you

simply met

a student grows beyond her teacher's control, I suppose. Luckily, I have nine other disciples. If I called them all now,

Percival watched, bemused.

smiled as he felt her pulse, "Ah, this is promising. A smooth pulse; it suggests

brightened at the news, "Master,

a knowing look, teased, "You

and quickly corrected himself, "I'll be happy with either, as

worry. I've told you about your fortune before; you're destined to have

hadn't given much thought to children. But the idea

pair turned their discussion towards

more serious tone, "Hold on. You've been through a shock recently. Have you

answered, "She's already

who prescribed it?" Finnian probed

help but roll her

finally released her wrist, then inquired, "Have you found out what caused the

Vivienne frowned, "Not yet."

it might relate to Delilah, but everything -

"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 his hint, Vivienne quickly connected it to another issue, "Did

smiled, "You wouldn't

would you? Records of

they've mostly died out. Abigail,

minor branch. As for the rumor you're interested in, there are

leaned in, intrigued, "About

a tale as old as time -

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

that alone wouldn't grant immortality. It requires two additional artifacts, though their efficacy is unproven. It could all be just

piqued. While such tales might seem far-fetched to some, she knew Abigail wouldn't dismiss them so