The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Finnian was skeptical, "It's an interesting theory, but not very practical."

"No magic or trick has ever allowed anyone to live that long, and even if it did, maintaining youthfulness without any signs of aging on the face or body? Highly unlikely."

Vivienne was about to probe further when Kellan Reed and Geoffrey, each with a drink in hand, appeared behind her. "Finnian, a toast to you on this fine day. The kids' wedding wouldn't be happening without your help!" Finnian's eyes lost their sharpness as he turned around with a smile, "Oh, you're making too much of it. They're practically family."

That phrase alone brought the two families closer together.

Kellan shot Geoffrey a smug look.

Just moments ago, weren't they at each other's throats?

Who else would think of gifting a bomb as a dowry? On the wedding day, would the Martinez family bring in a fighter jet to display in their backyard?

It seemed to highlight the Martinez family's contributions to national defense.

Over the years, the Reed family had donated generously to the nation, especially in scientific research. Kellan's son had been donating a third of his income annually, following a long-standing family tradition. Their contributions were just directed differently, but both families were equally patriotic.

So, the Martinez family's weapon research was considered a contribution, but his money wasn't?

Without funding, what would they research with?

Geoffrey, not one to back down, stepped forward with his drink, "Master, the wedding is set for next spring, but there seems to be an extra month according to the lunar calendar. What do you make of it?" The three old foxes gathered, each with their own agenda.

Finnian knew he was walking into a trap.

It was Leopold's wedding date he had chosen; he was well aware of any potentially inauspicious timings.

But then he remembered the precious box he had received from the Martinez family.

Could he pretend to be drunk now?

Vivienne, listening on the side, wanted to laugh.

Caught in a bind because he had accepted a gift, Finnian had to think fast. "Well... getting married during an extra lunar month does have its superstitions. It's best to avoid it if possible, otherwise, the date must be pushed back." Geoffrey shrugged, "Then it looks like we'll have to delay it."

Kellan, panicking, nearly dropped his glass, "No, no, the date was meticulously chosen. We can't push it back; we have to move it earlier if anything."

retorted, "But this is what

wants to send their daughter away right before New Year's? Sure, your family will be happy, but what about me? My granddaughter will

turning to Finnian in

but it's a bit of

long as it doesn't

eyes twinkled, "Simple. Make a set of clothes and shoes for each

"Make clothes?"

demeanor, frowned, "Does buying

scoffed, "Questioning the master's words? Seems like you're not keen on

corners on. A family elder must personally take everyone's measurements and shoe sizes. Then find someone over eighty to cut the fabric, so the blessings reach the newlyweds." Kellan gritted his teeth, "Fine, we'll

flashed with victory, ready for

gaze fell on a group nearby, counting exactly eight people. He immediately brightened, "Master, I presume these are your other disciples, all looking quite exceptional. And to think you consider our Leopold your favorite, I'm truly humbled."

Who said that?

eyesight, one couldn't make such

each

Leopold, always the crybaby, be the

wine's

Vivienne, "..."

any longer. "Mr. Wolf, I'm

Percival smiled, "Sure."

goodbye to Kellan and Geoffrey, they

the awkwardness, quickly made their excuses

she reminded her fellow disciples to take good care of Finnian, lest he "drunkedly" lose his

all agreed, but once Vivienne was gone, they circled

acting. Who's your favorite

you the longest.

you're saying you prefer Leopold over

this up today, or this isn't

her breath outside,

demeanor, came through, "Vivienne, am I

rare

"What's wrong?"

to have seen a ghost, urgently blurting out, "Vivienne, something's come up,

the line