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?

it was

room for hesitation. "What's there to change? Leopold gave this to me, and I... I think it's

only for a day; no

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

choked on 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 all standing around for? Go help

Vivienne, "Watch your words, girl. You know how

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

argue. It would

he boasted about his resilience if

something, Finnian's tone softened, asking if Vivienne had any more of that healing potion he

had used up the entire bottle. Knowing him, he was probably planning to trade it for cash. "None left," she replied

drifted as

about to enjoy another when a sudden wave of nausea hit her, a secret

acknowledging the unique bond between her

Their moment was abruptly

who had accidentally overheard their private conversation. Panicked, he promised to keep Vivienne's pregnancy a secret, unwittingly revealing it to everyone

followed was punctuated by gasps, marking the revelation of

a ton of

storm brewing behind her calm facade. "Well, Leopold," she thought. "This is a grudge I won't

gulped nervously. "Vivienne, when did this happen?

confusion. "Hold up, we've only been apart for a few days. How did this happen so quickly...?" "It's like you've been keeping