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."

tried to warn her parents to keep it simple

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

concerns, "As long as my grandkids are happy, that's all that

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

their day, not

thought Floyd was just being modest, but Sasha intervened,

or not; it's

so, let's not push it. He'll speak up if he sees something

though it didn't quite

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 typical behavior for

"Doesn't anyone else think Floyd's been acting unusually

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

indicating that she and Mr. Wolf were

concerns, admitting they hadn't found anything concrete yet. Despite attempts to

of the Perez family, their presence filling

watched from 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 increase the stakes of his plan

set. I want a

"Understood," came the reply.

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

into the

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

was taken