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.

short-staffed, so I have to stay and oversee things. Most of my

means no girlfriend for you then?" Vivienne teased. "Are

few, but everyone's too focused on their work

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

the air as Percival shook his head. "Let's not jump to conclusions. Floyd might already have

turned to him, Floyd simply said, "I've been dedicating these years to our research projects. I haven't had much time or energy for

thought of killing them hadn't left his mind; how could he

had only one goal: to eliminate Vivienne's entire family. Nothing else mattered to

excused himself to answer the call, stepping into the backyard with a serious

Floyd didn't waver.

mood. "Isaiah,

garden flowers been tended to

yes. I took care of them

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 bomb we

voice on the other end was frantic, clearly at a breaking point. "Just calm down. I'll double-check everything," Floyd reassured, though his gaze remained fixed on Isaiah, who seemed to harbor

discreet distance. The tracking device showed Floyd heading towards a lab, confirming Isaiah's suspicions without a shadow of

man in a black

tossed it aside, puzzled. "If you knew he

shot him a glance.

less than vigilant? His

elbet

might just confirm his suspicions. No, if they're to