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."

Vivienne had tried to warn her parents to keep it simple this

told you to keep it light. Birthdays happen every year; there's no need for such grandeur," Vivienne sighed, rubbing her

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

Arthur tried to include him, "Floyd, there's something for

day,

being modest,

liking or not; it's

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

polite smile, though it didn't quite reach

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 Floyd around this time of year, preferring solitude

else think

seem different, not at all like the boy

and Mr. Wolf

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

the arrival of the Perez family, their presence filling the

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

the charges are set. I want a clean sweep on

"Understood," came the reply.

bed, silently hoping for the dawn of tomorrow. How many would meet their

had no choice but to descend from his room. The moment he stepped into the dining hall, he was bombarded with greetings from all around, his dazed

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 some cryptanalysis, revisiting texts that have ties to our

was taken