The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

After Vivienne finished speaking, Floyd's smile froze on his face for a brief moment. However, he was looking down, and no one seemed to notice the change in his expression.

The manor looked much the same as it did in Floyd's childhood, yet everything about it seemed to irk him now.

He had barely been back in his room for a few minutes when his phone rang. He walked over to the window and answered it.

The call began with a brief crackle of static before a distorted voice came through, "Everything's set for the day of the gala. There'll be a bomb planted, and all you have to do is press the button. They'll die there." "Understood. Thanks for your efforts. Send over the new research report as soon as you can," Floyd spoke, his gaze fixed on the doorway.

Someone was lingering outside his door. He wasn't sure who it was, but was it too naive of Vivienne's family to suspect him at such a critical moment?

"I won't keep you any longer. Just make sure you're ready to handle what comes next."

The call ended promptly, and Floyd saved the number under a lab contact list.

Soon after, there was a knock at the door. "Floyd, what are you up to? Wanna come out and chat for a bit?"

Opening the door, Floyd found Juliette, a head shorter than him, struggling to look up at him.

"Why'd you have to be so tall? My neck's starting to hurt," Juliette complained, frowning.

Floyd chuckled. "Maybe you should eat more; get a bit taller yourself."

They chatted as they walked outside.

Vivienne and Percival each asked about their recent lives, but everyone was more curious about Floyd, who always seemed too caught up to return home.

I have to stay and oversee things. Most of my time's spent tangled

you then?" Vivienne teased. "Are there

are a few, but everyone's too

thrilled by the conversation, chimed in, "Imagine if Floyd brought home a girl from abroad. His kids could be mixed-race. I'd be the

air as Percival shook his head. "Let's not

him, Floyd simply said, "I've been dedicating these years to our research

his mind; how could he dare reveal his

one goal: to eliminate Vivienne's

Glancing at the caller ID, Vivienne and Percival also saw the screen: 'Lab potion development, David.' Floyd excused himself to answer the call, stepping into the backyard with a serious expression replacing his smile. Juliette's curiosity was piqued. "What's got him so worried?

Floyd didn't waver. He remained

mood. "Isaiah,

mom. Have the garden flowers been tended

yes. I took care of them just the other

like some weeds have

What's going on? We'll have to disarm the bomb we planted. Can you get the exact address? This

breaking point. "Just calm down. I'll double-check everything," Floyd reassured, though his gaze remained fixed on Isaiah, who seemed to harbor

house in a hurry, and Isaiah soon followed, keeping a discreet distance. The tracking device showed Floyd heading towards a lab, confirming Isaiah's suspicions without a shadow

black

"If you knew he was onto

shot him a glance. "Do

be anything less than vigilant? His

elbet

confirm his suspicions. No, if they're to