The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Juliet slapped her chest with a promise, "Don't you worry, Mom, we won't let you down!"

Standing nearby, Isaiah sometimes wondered about life itself. Were girls naturally this enthusiastic, kind of like his aunts? No, that wasn't quite right-his uncle was pretty lively, too. Lost in thought, Isaiah suddenly felt warmth atop his head, where Vivienne's hand had come to rest without him noticing.

"Off to school now. I'll come pick you up after, okay? If I can't make it, Dad will be here."

This time, Juliet had no objections, well aware of Vivienne's busy schedule.

"Got it, Mom. Don't forget to eat," Juliet said, planting a kiss on Vivienne's cheek in parting.

Isaiah's goodbye was less fervent; he hugged Vivienne briefly, waved, and then hurried to catch up with Juliet.

Vivienne watched the kids enter the school before turning to leave, noticing Floyd's gaze lingering on her. She pretended not to see and quickly vanished from Floyd's sight.

Back in the car, Percival handed her a USB drive. "Here's everything Soren managed to dig up. Might be useful for your lab work."

Hearing Soren's name, Vivienne immediately thought of Anna. "How have those two been lately?"

"Soren and Anna? Well, Anna's practically living in your lab these days, and Soren's been swamped with tasks at the squad. They probably haven't seen each other much. Plus, Soren's been off since that last mission; I heard he wasn't feeling great yesterday." That explained why Anna seemed so distracted yesterday-she was worried about Soren's condition.

"How's the mission wrap-up going? Maybe he should come help in the lab; I could take a look at his symptoms."

Percival chuckled. "Always worrying about everyone else, huh? How about a little concern for me?"

an eyebrow at him. "Haven't I worried

sorrow was almost convincing. "Let's not cast me as the villain here. Raising kids on my own hasn't been a walk in the park!"

about all I've done for the kids?!" Vivienne's eyes twinkled mischievously. "If you want to thank

speechless. Vivienne's playful side hadn't changed a bit

Vivienne found Anna so engrossed in her work that

through this? You know how dangerous it is to

mistake, apologized to Ms.

have no place in the lab, Anna. You're affecting the

knew she wasn't in the right state of mind to argue. She retreated to the break room, while Vivienne, through the glass, saw the sadness in her eyes. Love had indeed distracted her. Why did love have to be so complicated, unlike

she pondered,

are you feeling?" Vivienne asked, preparing her acupuncture needles as Soren

than on comparing Soren's physique to Mr.

to professional mode, Vivienne attended to Soren, while Anna returned to her work, trying to ignore the drama

noticed Anna's cold demeanor, wondering if he had somehow upset her. Then he remembered failing to reply to her message

text Anna, wondering if it was possible

the meds for five days, and you'll be fine," Vivienne declared with a flourish, removing the bandages that Soren had on his back. Soren quickly got dressed, offering

the familiar voice, Anna turned around, freezing for a

you doing here? Are your injuries healed?" Anna's voice

My star pupil, indeed.

with your project. Things