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 was

treasures, Finnian found no room for hesitation. "What's

it was only for a day; no skin

right through him, commenting casually, "Master seems quite

looking for gossip stopped him. He vented his frustration,

whispered to Vivienne, "Watch your

jealously were of no real interest to his wealthy disciples,

to argue. It would only

about Finnian's health, to which he boasted about his resilience if not for an

tone softened, asking if Vivienne had any

Finnian had used up the entire bottle. Knowing him,

conversation drifted

on the table, finding them surprisingly palatable She was about to enjoy another when a

and acknowledging the unique bond between her and

Their moment was abruptly

had accidentally overheard their private conversation. Panicked, he promised to keep Vivienne's

marking the revelation of a

news hit them like a ton

"This is a grudge I won't forget." Behind her, her friends exchanged bewildered looks, unsure

Musketeer," gulped nervously. "Vivienne, when did this happen? Please tell

one, blinked in confusion. "Hold up, we've only been apart for a few days. How did this happen so quickly...?"