The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

The Linklater family had always been a close-knit bunch, but today, something was amiss. Sasha arrived at Daphne's place with two pots of lavender, a gesture meant to cheer up her ailing friend. The house was unusually silent, with only Daphne present, looking paler

than usual.

With a smile, Sasha teased, "Hey Daphne, guess what I've brought for you?"

Anna, another member of their circle, was out on an errand, leaving Daphne alone. Upon hearing Sasha's voice, Daphne managed a weak smile and set aside her book. "Captain, you know I appreciate the thought, but flowers aren't going to cheer me up right now." Sasha wasn't deterred. "Come on, you used to love gardening. If anything, now's the time to surround yourself with your favorite blooms. The scent alone might lift your spirits, don't you think?"

Daphne's eyes sparkled for a moment before she nodded. "Thanks for the thought, Captain."

Sasha, however, couldn't hide her disappointment. "But lavender? You've always had a love-hate relationship with it, given your history with a rival named Lavender. She went too far in trying to beat you, even targeting your loved ones. Needless to say, she met a grim end by your hands."

Daphne's expression darkened. "Why bring up such painful memories now, Sasha? It's been years. I'd rather leave the past where it belongs."

Sasha's tone turned icy. "You would, wouldn't you? Because you're not Daphne. Am I right, Abigail?"

Caught, Abigail didn't bother denying it. Her demeanor unchanged, she retorted, "So, you figured it out because of some plants? Amusing."

Sasha's patience was wearing thin. "Where's Daphne?"

chilling. "Guess you're too late, Captain. She

in, eyes red with fury. "My mother didn't die back then, and it's

wouldn't submit to me. It's her

palpable. "For that,

If she couldn't

"That's where you're wrong!"

Percival. She had orchestrated Anna's departure to

Vivienne, smirked. "I did all this to draw you out. From manipulating Anna

underestimated the loyalty of those around me.

The showdown was inevitable.

to protect their own and avenge the wronged, proving that in their world, bonds

smirk, "Ordinary faces? They're

confirmation, and a

seemed far-fetched, yet the unfolding events left little room

your plan for the ancient

execute my grand scheme if don't stir the pot? I need obedient pawns, not a unified front that's tough to crack. Only by sowing