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

Sasha began to doubt, "Is that really

to Daphne's bedside, making sure she was comfortable, then

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

Mom. I wouldn't trust anyone else

up her mind; she wouldn't let history repeat itself. She was determined to ensure

Vivienne. I won't be going to

"I thought you had given up on the lab these past few

with Vivienne doesn't mean I'm abandoning 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

then casually mentioned, "I heard Vivienne

but remembered the doctor's advice to

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

wouldn't understand, or are you underestimating your mother?

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

mysterious!" Anna seemed intrigued, her gaze fixed on Anna, eager for an

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

narrowed her

QUMS

if

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

whoever can find it."

of the rumors but doubted anyone could pose a real threat to Vivienne,

but we mustn't lower our guard.

paused, reminded of the