The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

In the lab, Brody was practically glued to the floor, his eyes fixated on the vial of crimson liquid on the table. Despite the intense focus that turned his eyes a shade redder, his excitement was palpable.

Vivienne approached him, curiosity lacing her tone, "How's it going?"

Pointing at the vial, Brody couldn't hide his enthusiasm, "I've extracted it. Just give me a few more days, and I'll have it ready. Mass production will be a breeze."

Vivienne merely nodded, her words laced with a warning, "Just be careful with the dosage. Research is fine, but if you blow up my lab, we're going to have a serious problem."

Anna, eyeing the red liquid with a frown, turned to Vivienne, "What exactly is that?"

With a glance at Anna, Vivienne explained calmly, "It's an antidote to neutralize a weapon in Abigail's possession. But we only have this sample. We need to break it down, identify the key components, and produce it in large quantities for emergencies." Anna nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation.

Vivienne, patting Anna on the shoulder, reassured her, "This project is Brody's baby. Next time there's tough research, you'll join in."

"Sure!" Anna agreed, heading out but then paused, remembering something. "Oh, Vivienne, my mom wanted me to remind you about something."

Vivienne hummed in acknowledgment without stopping, "Go on."

was probably already aware, but it was better to be safe than sorry. "Someone's put up a hundred million bounty for something you have. After the assassination attempt last time, my mom's really worried. She insisted I tell you to be extra cautious." Vivienne's expression shifted slightly, "Alright, I've got it. Thank

and Percival wrapped an arm around her, questioning,

"Once doubt is planted, it doesn't matter if she believes or

Thomas handed Vivienne a document, "Ma'am, Brody wanted you

to Mr. Wolf. It was

a glance, "I'll have someone keep watch

parents handle this. It's Winston's blood in that vial. And we can't replicate the antidote. Our lab scene was just a

Anna woke up in a chair next to her bed, her mother, Daphne, offering

next morning, Vivienne

headed to

estate, learning en

antidote was safe. Brody denganded a new, larger

treating them as part of the family Arthur, eager to spend time with

swnovel

setting, incorporating elements familiar to a Western audience, such as the use of common Western names, the concept of a family estate, and the inclusion of a lab

love at first sight." Vivienne couldn't help but glance over at Sasha, who offered a reassuring smile and a nod, as if to say, "Don't