The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

If Vivienne's memory served her right, it had been ten days since she started her regimen of remedies-a milestone that should have marked the end of her treatment. Yet, here she was, still sipping on what seemed like an endless supply of bitter concoctions. Percival handed her a glass of water with an unnervingly calm demeanor, his voice soft and comforting, "Vivienne, you forgot about the day we went to Grandpa Jack's. You missed a dose then. We're just making up for it." Vivienne could only respond with a sigh.

In exasperation, she asked, "Mr. Wolf, how much longer with this 'medicine'?"

Understanding her plight, Percival offered a reassuring smile, "Tomorrow is the last day. After that, we'll head to the hospital for a check-up to ensure everything's cleared up. We might as well see how our little peanut is developing."

Vivienne's lips twitched in amusement, "Our 'peanut' is barely two months along, probably not even the size of your pinky yet."

Percival's lips curled into a smile, his eyes gleaming, "At two months, we should be able to hear the heartbeat. Don't you want to hear our baby's heartbeat?"

That certainly caught Vivienne's attention.

Half an hour later, on their way to the Watson estate, Vivienne browsed through the information Draven had sent over about the Watsons.

Nolan Watson, the current head of the Watson family, was renowned for his expertise in both landscape architecture and as a chief engineer, particularly skilled in designing Western-style gardens. The family, once royal architects, had seen their fortunes wane over time. Now, they were recognized not for their historical significance but for their professional merits, attracting the attention of many affluent families. Interestingly, the Linklater family's estate was one of Nolan's masterpieces. This explained why Grandpa Jack had sent her with a letter to Nolan Watson.

Upon arrival, Thomas, their driver, couldn't believe his eyes-the estate's classical red gates and the surrounding wilderness seemed to transport them back in time.

Thomas had thought the Linklater estate was traditional enough, but the Watson residence, seamlessly blending into the nearby terrain, appeared utterly timeless. As beautiful as it was, it also exuded an intimidating aura.

Shaking off the feeling, Thomas informed Percival and Vivienne, "We've arrived."

After identifying themselves and presenting Yorick Linklater's handwritten letter, the butler invited them in, leaving Thomas to wait outside.

Entering the main hall, they were greeted by an elderly man dressed in a dark Western suit, emanating a sense of wisdom and longevity. Percival and Vivienne introduced themselves and quickly got to the point. "We've come to inquire about something, Mr. Watson," Percival began.

pretense of formality, nodded for them to proceed. Vivienne wasted no time, "Mr. Watson, Grandpa Jack mentioned that the Wright estate was designed by you. We're wondering if you still have the original blueprints.

memory. Nolan then clarified, "Ah, yes. The Wright estate was indeed a Watson project, but it wasn't mine. It was my brother, Derek Watson, who designed it. He preferred the European architectural styles, diverging from my own affinity

a glance

passed away many years ago. However, if it's the blueprints you're after, I'll

was little hope for finding the blueprints, Vivienne and Percival prepared to leave but not before Vivienne inquired about Derek's

"He was always frail, succumbed to his ailments, worsened by

left for their next destination-the prison, where Declan

visit, Thomas drove

the backseat, Percival warmed her hands with his, "Going to

we don't, I'll make sure he reveals something

downfall of the Wright family and Abigail's disappearance

long, it was about time it served

a small, isolated

sat on a chair,

in front of the protective railing, and Ephemeral spoke up, "To think you had such a deep

grand plan to overturn the current world order, you must have been

person opposite showed

- that whatever Abigail needs must be with the Wright family." A flicker of movement showed in the eyes

Vivienne attacked the psychological

to do, whether it's convincing people with the promise of immortality or achieving her goals througho weaponry, it's

and Abigail

times, and it wouldn't be

would the fate of a Wright family member be with such a grave accusation? The others, I don't care about, but