The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Seventeen years had flown by in a heartbeat, and the children from back then had all grown up.

In the sprawling backyard of their estate, Vivienne was leisurely rocking back and forth in her rocking chair, her legs swaying gently. It wasn't long before the smartphone resting on the side table began to ring. Glancing over, she noticed it was a video call from the kids. As soon as she answered, Juliette's face popped up on the screen, her voice brimming with excitement, "Mom! You and dad are really not coming to Isaiah and my birthday party tomorrow?" Vivienne pinched the bridge of her nose, feeling a tad helpless. This was the sixteenth call this month alone. She had made a casual remark about possibly missing Juliette's birthday, never expecting her to take it so seriously. With a sigh, Vivienne replied, "Of course, we're coming! You didn't need to send a search party after me!"

Juliette chuckled, "Just making sure you weren't pulling our leg."

After a bit more chit-chat, Juliette was whisked away by her tutor.

Vivienne then opened her chat with Floyd. Their last conversation was ages ago, discussing whether he could make it this year. Floyd had mentioned he was swamped with work abroad and might not make it. Communication between them had been scarce over the years.

After a moment's hesitation, Vivienne dialed Floyd's number.

On the other end, Floyd stared at the flashing screen with a stoic expression. He took his sweet time before finally answering the call just as it was about to disconnect. "Hello?"

"Hey, Juliette and Isaiah's birthday is coming up. Are you planning to make it back home?"

"Yeah, I'll be there," Floyd responded, his voice interspersed with the sound of keyboard clicks.

could faintly hear someone calling out for Floyd in the background. She

a small smile crept across

an arm around her waist, "What's on

thinking... it's been seventeen years,"

a tender smile, Percival echoed, "Yeah,

smile was a silent acknowledgment of the

having ended the call, let his facade of indifference fade. He wasn't in any lab; he was standing in a vast, deserted pit filled with various markers. He lingered in front of one labeled 'Connor', surrounded by other names including Abigail's. Recollecting events

now. It's

putting an

with photos, predominantly of Vivienne's family but also including friends and even Leopold's son. Approaching a board he pinned a photo of Vivienne, his voice laced with menace, "I promise a

end for

lay two gift-wrapped packages. Glancing at them, Floyd couldn't help but smile, "To meet your end by these means

Isaiah's birthday had

Gordon, deep in thought and visibly stressed. Clapping him on the shoulder, Leopold inquired, "What's eating you up,

the expert