The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Daphne's eyes flashed with a hint of agony. "Those people were hell-bent on hunting me down. For Anna's safety, I had no choice but to take a death-faking pill to fool them."

Sasha pursed her lips and sighed, "Where have you been all these years? Why didn't you contact us? Even the Vanguard Agency couldn't track you down."

"We all thought you were... gone," Sasha exhaled, struggling to accept the news back then.

Daphne candidly replied, "My memory has been in and out over the years. Sometimes I remember clearly, other times I forget everything. But I've never stopped trying to find news about you and the team. If only I had known how... profound the effects of that drug would be."

"Ouch!" Daphne clutched her head in pain before burying her face in the pillow, a look of agony on her face.

"Mom, is it the headache again?"

"Stop thinking about it."

Sasha, witnessing Daphne's sudden pain, couldn't tell if it was real or an act.

Anna explained, "Karen, this is the aftereffect of the death-faking pill my mom took years ago. Recalling the past triggers her headaches, leaving her unable to think of anything..."

As they parted, Daphne handed Sasha a medallion, insisting she take it.

Sasha examined the tarnished object before pocketing it with a nod.

Anna requested time off from Vivienne, "Vivienne, I won't be able to stick by you these next few days. The lab, too."

Understanding her friend's predicament, Vivienne reassured her with a pat on the shoulder, "Don't worry. The artifacts from the Wright family have been delivered to the lab. With Brody there, everything will be fine." Anna felt slightly relieved and nodded.

With experts like Percival and Leopold by Vivienne's side, she wasn't overly concerned.

In the hallway, Sasha held the medallion, her expression tense. "This was the first honor Amaya won at the Vanguard Agency, a symbol of her identity."

eyebrow, "Is

of their

began to doubt, "Is

in the room, Anna returned to Daphne's bedside, making sure she was

tried to persuade her, "Sweetie, my injuries are minor. You shouldn't neglect your work on my account.

question, Mom. I wouldn't trust anyone else to care

wouldn't let history repeat itself. She was determined

already spoken to Vivienne. I won't be going to

given up on the lab these past

the lab when I'm free. After all, that's where I continue to learn." Handing a sliced piece to Daphne, Anna continued, "Ever since I was young, I loved exploring these mysteries with you. I never imagined

the apple, then casually mentioned, "I heard Vivienne mentioning something new

but remembered the doctor's advice to only eat a

the table as she softly explained, "It's

it that I wouldn't understand, or are you underestimating your mother? After all, you've learned everything from me. How do you

hurried to clarify, "Mom, it's not that I don't want to tell you. It's just that

intrigued, her gaze

tried to assassinate us

narrowed her eyes,

QUMS

if remembering

my journey to find you, suggesting Vivienne possesses something

whoever can find it."

but doubted anyone could pose a

serious, warned, "I know Vivienne is skilled, but we mustn't lower our guard. Have you forgotten how

of the