The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne quickly grabbed a cup of coffee and a bagel for breakfast when the sound of a car engine announced the arrival of guests. Juliette and Isaiah were already at the door, buzzing with excitement. Sasha and Arthur got out of the car, smiles spreading across their faces at the sight of the grandchildren. "Look at you two, Juliette and Isaiah, growing more beautiful and handsome by the day!" Sasha exclaimed. Arthur beamed at Isaiah, "Just look at my grandson, growing up so strong and handsome. Come here and let grandpa take a good look at you!"

Sasha took Juliette's hand while Arthur ruffled Isaiah's hair as they made their way inside.

Floyd stood a bit apart, his face a mask of indifference despite the warm scene unfolding before him. He maintained a polite smile, albeit reluctantly.

Sasha caught sight of Floyd and greeted him, "Floyd, it's been too long."

"Grandma, grandpa," Floyd nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

"You've been abroad for years without a visit, but finally, we got you back this year," Arthur said, clapping Floyd on the back as they walked inside. "How's everything going at the base?"

"It's going well, I should be moving up by the end of the year if things continue this way," Floyd replied.

"That's my boy, making contributions to the country. You'll come back home after your project, right?"

"Yes, once the experiment is done."

Arthur seemed pleased with Floyd's response and after a brief chat, joined Sasha in catching up with Vivienne.

"Mom, Dad," Vivienne greeted, guiding Sasha to sit down on the couch.

The conversation turned to family matters as Arthur started unloading gifts he'd brought for the children.

"Come check out what we've got for you. Your grandma and I spent ages picking these out, but we ended up just bringing everything over."

and Isaiah glanced over nonchalantly; they were used to their grandparents' extravagant gestures. Vivienne had tried to warn her parents to keep it simple this year, but

Birthdays happen every year; there's no need for such grandeur," Vivienne sighed,

long as my grandkids are happy, that's all that matters. They deserve to enjoy

include him, "Floyd, there's

day, not mine. I

was just being modest, but

or not; it's their moment, I shouldn't interfere," Floyd

let's not push it.

a polite smile, though it didn't quite

of their chatter made his head ache. "I'm feeling a bit under the weather; I'll be in my room if needed." This was typical behavior for Floyd around this time of year, preferring solitude to socializing, and no one

anyone else think

observation. Sasha added, "He does seem different, not at all like the boy who left. Has something

indicating that she and

and Isaiah shared their concerns, admitting they hadn't found anything concrete

the arrival of the Perez family, their presence

his window, a cold anger in his eyes. He couldn't wait to be rid of them all. Grabbing his phone, he sent a message to

sure the charges are set. I want a

"Understood," came the reply.

looked impassively at the message, sitting on his bed, silently hoping for the dawn of tomorrow. How many would meet their end then? He

his room. The moment he stepped into the dining hall, he was bombarded with greetings from all around,

fork to transfer a rib to his plate. "You've been quiet about what kind of experiments you're up to." Floyd put down his fork, a serious tone taking over. "We're delving

was taken