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

I told you to keep it light. Birthdays happen every year; there's no need for such

happy, that's all that matters. They deserve to enjoy

Arthur tried to include him, "Floyd, there's something for you too. Don't be shy, have a

day, not mine. I

just being modest, but Sasha intervened, supporting

not; it's their

so, let's not push it.

a polite smile, though it didn't quite reach

Perez family's arrival was imminent, Floyd felt a wave of irritation. The very thought 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

turned serious. "Doesn't anyone else think Floyd's been acting unusually since

caught off guard by Arthur's observation. Sasha added, "He does seem different, not

and Mr. Wolf were stepping back

they hadn't found anything concrete yet. Despite attempts to monitor Floyd, they found no evidence

of the Perez family, their presence filling the house with

a cold anger in his eyes. He couldn't wait to be rid of them all. Grabbing his phone, he sent a message to increase the stakes of his plan ensuring no one from the Perez family would leave unscathed.

I want

"Understood," came the reply.

on his bed, silently hoping for the dawn of tomorrow.

to descend from his room. The moment he stepped into the dining hall, he

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

was taken