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.

wasted no time, "Mr. Watson, Grandpa Jack mentioned that the Wright

before Percival jogged his 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

a glance before asking about Derek's

after, I'll have someone search his study. If we find them, I'll

hope for finding the blueprints, Vivienne and Percival prepared to leave but not before Vivienne inquired about

"He was always frail, succumbed to his

and Percival left for

the gravity of their visit, Thomas drove

leaning against him in the backseat, Percival warmed her hands with his, "Going to question Declan

expression hardened, "Even if we don't, I'll make

Wright family and Abigail's disappearance weren't

so long, it was about time it served

a small,

sat on a chair, his head

spoke up, "To think you had

to Abigail and her grand plan to

opposite showed no

thing - that whatever Abigail needs must be

Vivienne attacked the psychological

whether it's convincing people with the promise of immortality

You and Abigail could die

and it wouldn't

have you considered, even if you die, what would the fate of a Wright family member be with such a grave