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."

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 to no avail. Floyd watched from

happen every year; there's no

my grandkids are happy, that's all that matters. They

there's something for you too. Don't be shy, have a

day, not mine. I

just being modest, but Sasha intervened, supporting

not about liking or not; it's

not push it. He'll

a polite smile, though it didn't

"I'm feeling a bit under the weather; I'll be in my room if needed." This was typical behavior

else think Floyd's been acting unusually

off guard by Arthur's observation. Sasha added, "He does seem different, not at all like the

that she and Mr. Wolf were stepping

they hadn't found anything concrete

the arrival of the Perez family, their presence filling the house with noise and

his phone, he sent a message to

I want a clean sweep on the day, no

"Understood," came the reply.

message, sitting on his bed, silently hoping for the dawn of tomorrow. How many would meet their end then? He couldn't say for

he stepped into the dining hall, he was bombarded

is working at an overseas research facility?" Jasper said, using his 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 into

taken