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.

it. The lab's short-staffed, so I have to stay and oversee things. Most

you then?" Vivienne

few, but everyone's too focused on their work for any

the conversation, chimed in, "Imagine if Floyd brought home a

Percival shook his head. "Let's not jump to conclusions. Floyd might already have someone in

Floyd simply said, "I've been dedicating these years to our research projects. I haven't had

left his mind; how could he

by hatred, Floyd had only one goal: to eliminate Vivienne's entire family. Nothing else

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

didn't waver. He remained

mood. "Isaiah, what's

garden

I took care of them just the other

like some weeds have sprouted

the backyard, Floyd was on a tense call. "They've changed the venue last minute? What's going on? We'll have to disarm the

double-check everything," Floyd reassured, though his gaze remained fixed on Isaiah, who seemed to harbor

soon followed, keeping a discreet distance. The tracking device showed

in a black mask noted, stepping

and tossed it aside, puzzled. "If

him a glance. "Do

less than vigilant? His suspicion alone proves he's not

elbet

confirm his suspicions.