The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Gary couldn't hold back his admiration. "Master, considering Vivienne's touch, this minor task is a piece of cake for her. Moreover, everything she handles turns into a collector's edition." Donald nodded earnestly, glancing at Finnian's bright red attire and swallowed hard. "Indeed, Master, maybe Vivienne could tweak something for you too?"

Daniel frowned, "You're going too far, guys. Our Master is a man of stature. Can we really afford to make him a spectacle in front of everyone?"

Finnian stroked his beard, finding Daniel's concern the only one that resonated with him.

However, Daniel's next comment nearly pushed Finnian to disown him as a disciple.

Casting a glance at Finnian's increasingly portly figure, Daniel shook his head, "Besides, what transformation can we expect at Master's age? Can we really expect him to match Vivienne's fitness?" There was a moment of silence before a unanimous agreement.

Lately, Master did seem to have indulged a bit too much.

Dressed in bright red, he actually looked... rather festive.

They all pondered when they'd have Finnian don such attire for their weddings, given none of them were keen on marrying yet.

Finnian's mood darkened further.

What sins had he committed in his past life to deserve such disciples?

Eric, unable to bear the tension and sitting directly across Finnian, adjusted his glasses, now seeing everything tinted in red. "Master, how about I send over a piece that's just as good as the one you're wearing?" Finnian was tempted but suppressed the thought immediately.

He had accepted those gifts from Leopold; what if Leopold asked for them back?

Leopold's temperament, it

room for hesitation. "What's there to change? Leopold gave this

it was only for a day; no

him, commenting casually, "Master seems quite pleased. It

his words, about to defend himself, but the eager faces of his disciples looking for gossip stopped him. He vented his frustration, "What are you

"Watch your words, girl. You

so jealously were of no real interest to his wealthy disciples, concerned more with assets

to argue. It would only make things

health, to which he boasted about

Finnian's tone softened, asking if Vivienne had

entire bottle. Knowing him,

conversation drifted as

surprisingly palatable She was about to enjoy another when a sudden wave of nausea hit her, a secret struggle she had tried to

between her and Mr.

Their moment was abruptly

Panicked, he promised to

was punctuated by gasps, marking

news hit them like a ton of bricks. Vivienne was

"Well, Leopold," she thought. "This is a grudge I

this happen? Please tell

been apart for a few days. How did this happen so quickly...?" "It's like you've been keeping secrets from