The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 1136

Hearing Thomas's voice, Brody didn't bother looking up. "The sorry state he's in? I crafted that with my own two hands. The misery he's swallowing is my painstaking labor of love. Seeing the fruits of my labor take effect is truly satisfying. The more he suffers, the more

potent my potion proves to be. How could I not be thrilled?"

After finishing the sandwich in his hand, Brody let out a leisurely burp. "Looks like I'll have to bring more snacks next time."

When it came to a wicked sense of humor, Thomas had nothing on Brody.

Clearly, Brody was just there to check on Connor's condition. After gobbling down his snack, he clapped Thomas on the shoulder, ready to leave, "Keep me posted if anything goes south. I've got to grab something more to eat. I'm out."

Brody vanished as swiftly as he had arrived, leaving Thomas to carry out his usual checks on Connor. By the time he emerged, his clothes were stained with more than a few spots of blood.

The guard couldn't help but peek inside at the sight.

Outside the school gates.

Vivienne and Percival had arrived at the school gates bright and early, only to find that other parents were just as eager to see their little ones.

Their arrival didn't go unnoticed, drawing curious glances and hushed whispers from the other parents.

"Those two look so young, their kid's already in elementary school? They barely look out of their twenties, quite the match. Wonder how cute their kid must be."

"Do they even look like parents? More like they're here to pick up a niece or nephew. What kind of college kids have kids?"

"Looks more like aunt and uncle to me."

Their whispers didn't miss Vivienne and Percival's ears, prompting a suppressed chuckle from Vivienne.

Being mistaken for being in her twenties? Flattering, but troublesome.

Vivienne glanced at Percival, "Following me around, you're getting the better end of the deal, looking like you've knocked a decade off your age."

smiled in response, playing along, "Yeah,

gently brushed his finger across Vivienne's

a rom-com, especially given how attractive both Vivienne and Percival were, making their interactions seem all the more genuine and endearing.

"Mummy!"

and her brother immediately spotted Vivienne and Percival,

teacher from yesterday greeted Vivienne with a smile, allowing the kids to

early today!" Juliette bounded over to

hair, with Isaiah

school today?" Vivienne playfully

Juliette

family of four

a hint of envy. Even after a long absence, his parents' love for

heart sank as he remembered Juliette's words to him earlier that

pick you up? You always tease me, but now

Indeed, where were his?

Floyd that his parents had eyes only

master should head back," the nanny said, having found Floyd standing still

few in the household who truly cared for

your

said, her smile somehow stinging Floyd's eyes. He

thoughts were a whirlwind of hope and longing for a life like Juliette's, where even in their parents' absence, there were loving guardians. All he had

"Okay, I'll make sure to talk to her about it when we get home. Sorry for

Vivienne's glance, watched her smile fade, knowing all too

the kids, "What exactly happened at school today?

a brief exchange of looks, Isaiah spoke up, "There was a bit of a misunderstanding with Floyd,

mention this at the school gates?

mad at me," Juliette mumbled, avoiding eye contact. "It wasn't really

beans to Vivienne; she had hoped to bury the

"Did I

lip, "We weren't bullying him-he bullies us too! You