The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

If Vivienne's memory served her right, it had been ten days since she started her regimen of remedies-a milestone that should have marked the end of her treatment. Yet, here she was, still sipping on what seemed like an endless supply of bitter concoctions. Percival handed her a glass of water with an unnervingly calm demeanor, his voice soft and comforting, "Vivienne, you forgot about the day we went to Grandpa Jack's. You missed a dose then. We're just making up for it." Vivienne could only respond with a sigh.

In exasperation, she asked, "Mr. Wolf, how much longer with this 'medicine'?" Understanding her plight, Percival offered a reassuring smile, "Tomorrow is the last day. After that, we'll head to the hospital for a check-up to ensure everything's cleared up. We might as well see how our little peanut is developing." Vivienne's lips twitched in amusement, "Our 'peanut' is barely two months along, probably not even the size of your pinky yet." Percival's lips curled into a smile, his eyes gleaming, "At two months, we should be able to hear the heartbeat. Don't you want to hear our baby's heartbeat?" That certainly caught Vivienne's attention.

Half an hour later, on their way to the Watson estate, Vivienne browsed through the information Draven had sent over about the Watsons.

Nolan Watson, the current head of the Watson family, was renowned for his expertise in both landscape architecture and as a chief engineer, particularly skilled in designing Western-style gardens. The family, once royal architects, had seen their fortunes wane over time. Now, they were recognized not for their historical significance but for their professional merits, attracting the attention of many affluent families. Interestingly, the Linklater family's estate was one of Nolan's masterpieces.

This explained why Grandpa Jack had sent her with a letter to Nolan Watson.

Upon arrival, Thomas, their driver, couldn't believe his eyes—the estate's classical red gates and the surrounding wilderness seemed to transport them back in time.

Thomas had thought the Linklater estate was traditional enough, but the Watson residence, seamlessly blending into the nearby terrain, appeared utterly timeless. As beautiful as it was, it also exuded an intimidating aura.

Shaking off the feeling, Thomas informed Percival and Vivienne, "We've arrived." After identifying themselves and presenting Yorick Linklater's handwritten letter, the butler invited them in, leaving Thomas to wait outside.

Entering the main hall, they were greeted by an elderly man dressed in a dark Western suit, emanating a sense of wisdom and longevity. Percival and Vivienne introduced themselves and quickly got to the point.

"We've cto inquire about something, Mr. Watson," Percival began.

Nolan, foregoing any pretense of formality, nodded for them to proceed. Vivienne wasted no time, "Mr. Watson, Grandpa Jack mentioned that the Wright estate was designed by you. We're wondering if you still have the original blueprints. We need to verify a few things." "The Wright estate?" Nolan seemed momentarily puzzled before Percival jogged his memory. Nolan then clarified, "Ah, yes. The Wright estate was indeed a Watson project, but it wasn't mine. It was my brother, Derek Watson, who designed it. He preferred the European architectural styles, diverging from my own affinity for traditional designs." Vivienne and Percival exchanged a glance before asking about Derek's whereabouts.

Nolan's expression turned somber, "He passed away many years ago. However, if it's the blueprints you're after, I'll have someone search his study. If we find them, I'll ensure they're sent to you." Realizing there was little hope for finding the blueprints, Vivienne and Percival prepared to leave but not before Vivienne inquired about Derek's cause of death.

Nolan sighed, "He was always frail, succumbed to his ailments, worsened by his worries." After thanking Nolan, Vivienne and Percival left for their next destination—the prison, where Declan was held.

Understanding the gravity of their visit, Thomas drove them to the facility without needing further instruction.

With Vivienne leaning against him in the backseat, Percival warmed her hands with his, "Going to question Declan now? Do we have a lead?" Vivienne's expression hardened, "Even if we don't, I'll make sure he reveals something useful." The downfall of the Wright family and Abigail's disappearance weren't things Declan could simply ignore.

Hanging in there for so long, it was about tit served spurpose.

Inside a small, isolated cabin.

An old man with silver hair sat on a chair, his head bowed, making his expression unclear.

Vivienne stood in front of the protective railing, and Ephemeral spoke up, "To think you had such a deep connection with the Wrights, I might have underestimated you." "To have been so devoted to Abigail and her grand plan to overturn the current world order, you must have been thoroughly brainwashed." The person opposite showed no reaction.

- Caught off guard, Vivienne continued, "Your tricks won't stop me. On the contrary, they only confirm one thing that whatever Abigail needs must be with the Wright family." A flicker of movement showed in the eyes of the person sitting down.

Vivienne attacked the psychological defenses without showing any emotion, "Abigail wants to rule the world, so whatever she plans to do whether it's convincing people with the promise of immortality or achieving her goals throug weaponry, it's a threat to national security. You and Abigail could die a thousand times, and it wouldn't be a loss." Content belongs to en.kikistorieslVivienne paused, "But have you considered, even if you die, what would the fate of a Wright family member be with such a grave accusation? The others, I don't care about, but what about Winston?" Content belongs to en.kikistoriesQUMS Though the purpose behind Declan's protection of Winston for so many years was unclear.

Clearly, Winston was special to the Wright family.

She had realized this long ago.

Despite knowing the Linklater family's true nature, the Wrights didn't oppose Winston's association with them.

The conspiracy behind this was only known to him.

Sure enough, at the mention of Winston, the person sitting in the chair suddenly tensed, his expression slowly lifting, his voice et raspy, "What does being part of the Wright family matter? Once our grand plan is accomplished, all of this will be nothing but a fleeting cloud." Content belongs to en.kikistoriesHearing this, Vivienne scoffed, "Your grand plan was doomed the moment I shattered the Millennia Aegis. Immortality? Forget it in this lifetime!"