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."

raised an eyebrow, "Is

had been part of their lives for too long to be

began to doubt, "Is

making sure she

minor. You shouldn't neglect your work on my account. The nurses are here; you should focus on your

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

had made up her mind; she wouldn't let history repeat itself. She

spoken to Vivienne. I won't

wryly, "I thought you had given up on the lab

I'll be there whenever Vivienne needs me, but I'll return to 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 I'd actually follow in your

took a bite of the apple, then casually mentioned, "I heard Vivienne mentioning something

the apple but remembered the doctor's advice to only

back on the table as she softly explained, "It's all

you underestimating your mother? After all, you've learned

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

intrigued, her gaze

to the people who tried to assassinate us yesterday. But when the box

her

QUMS

if remembering

to find you, suggesting Vivienne possesses something incredibly valuable. Apparently there's a billion-dollar

whoever can find it."

but doubted anyone could pose a real threat to Vivienne, given her

warned, "I know Vivienne is skilled, but we mustn't

reminded of