The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 1076

Over the weekend, Connor had just arrived when Isaiah received a message to discreetly send Vivienne away.

As Juliette entered the foyer, she spotted a figure standing there, casting a long shadow towards her. Approaching the man, she tugged gently at his sleeve and softly asked, "Mr. Boyd, could you do me a favor?" Connor crouched down, amused by Juliette's rare "warm" approach, a smile playing on his lips. "What do you need?"

With her eyes sparkling, Juliette pointed towards the backyard, "I want to give Mommy the flower in the middle of the pond. Can you carry me there? I can't reach it by myself."

Connor glanced at the distance, then back at Juliette. "You wait here; I'll fetch it for you."

"No!"

"The flower has to be picked by me to be meaningful for Mommy."

Juliette blocked his way, her face serious. If he went alone to fetch it, it would ruin her entire plan.

Without another word, Connor bent down, lifted her in his arms, and walked towards the backyard.

Upon reaching the center of the pond, Juliette, now thrilled at the sight of the flower, leaned forward, stretching her tiny fingers towards it. Her other hand sneakily sprinkled some "special powder" around the man's neck. Suddenly, Connor felt something was amiss.

Losing his balance for a moment, Juliette seized the opportunity to tumble towards the water.

Just before breaking free from his grip, she yelled towards Isaiah's direction, "Ah, Mommy, help!"

Hearing her, Vivienne rushed over, followed closely by Arthur and Yorick.

To their shock, they saw a figure in the pond tossing Juliette safely to the shore before plunging into the water himself.

As Connor emerged, dripping wet, his first concern was Juliette. "Did you get hurt anywhere?"

aback by the man now soaked from

powder was potent enough to make an elephant

pond, ensuring that her mother witnessed the entire scene, leaving no room for

jumped in

was the first to reach them, scooping Juliette up with a frown.

been discovered and still shaken from the scare, clung to Vivienne, crying, "Mommy, I was scared. It wasn't on purpose..." Connor took the blame onto himself

rash spreading

the water. It's nothing serious, I'll just need some medication." "I'll leave you to it; I'll visit

worsening, "That won't do. If it weren't for you,

a doctor, while Arthur suggested using the family's pharmacy for quicker treatment. Connor hesitated,

someone a chance to get closer to her mom. That wasn't her intention at all! Inside the house, after changing Juliette into dry clothes, Vivienne prepared

private interaction with Connor, pleaded, "Mommy, can

her, "Isaiah will stay with you. I'll be back

promise to only get the medicine and not touch Mr. Boyd?" Vivienne

an explanation, concerned about the contagious nature of Connor's

skeptical of

hide his disbelief, "You

She had noticed the rash on Connor before he even entered the water, a clear sign her itching powder had

just one of many inventions. He won't see what's

to be careful not to let their mother find

the way Vivienne had looked at her earlier.

matter what scheme that man was plotting, she wouldn't let him

if he thinks he can step in as Isaiah's new

pharmacy, Vivienne handed it to

after