The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Out in the suburbs, nestled among the rolling green hills, stood a grand villa. Rowan and Ismene,

disguised as the Dorian and Cordelia, hurried to the place, urgency etched on their faces.

Inside the living room, Mr. B lounged on a plush sofa, a glass of fine red wine in hand, his silver mask

catching the light and shimmering mysteriously.

Exchanging a quick, knowing glance, Rowan and Ismene approached. “Mr. B.”

Mr. B’s eyes lifted slightly, offering them a cursory glance. “It’s been a while. Still no sign of the potion?”

“Ever since Vivienne’s probing last time, we’ve been cautious about making our next move. We’ve

mentioned the potion to her, but she’s tight-lipped,” Rowan said, trying to maintain composure. “Ismene

and I have been busy setting up a fragrance company. It’s starting to take shape. Yesterday, Vivienne

handed over the perfume formula.”

Following Vivienne’s instructions, they had been staying with the Brooks, but their presence was to be

minimal.

They were mostly outside, occupied with the company’s business.

They had to proceed with the company as planned to avoid arousing Mr. B’s suspicions, which

naturally slowed progress.

Lately, Vivienne had them stay at the company they were supposedly setting up, and they had been

nearly absent from the Brooks Mansion for about a month.

Their occasional visits were brief, with little conversation, and they left soon after meals.

During this time, Mr. B had not reached out to them at all.

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They were anxious to resolve this matter and get the antidote for the poison coursing through their

veins. The excruciating pain when the poison flared was unbearable. They needed to conclude this

business and secure the antidote soon.

Therefore, Rowan had repeatedly asked Vivienne whether they should contact Mr. B to find his

whereabouts.

But Vivienne had told them it was unnecessary; she had her plans.

So, they could only wait.

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Recently, Mr. B had suddenly sent a message summoning them, and after informing Vivienne, they

were allowed to come.

“Really?” Mr. B raised an eyebrow. “You’ve secured the perfume formula?”

“Yes.” Rowan handed over the formula Vivienne had given him. “Take a look. Does this contain the

components of the potion?”

Mr. B took the formula, glanced at it, and suddenly, his eyes narrowed, and he stood up abruptly, shock

written all over his face!

Rowan inquired cautiously, noting his reaction, “Mr. B? Is there a problem with the formula?”

He was only responsible for the disguise and acquiring the potion.

However, he was not clear on the actual components of the potion.

As for what Vivienne had given him, he was even more in the dark.

Seeing Mr. B’s reaction, he was puzzled and feared that Vivienne might be setting him up to be

eliminated by Mr. B.

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“No problem!” Mr. B stated firmly, “This is the potion!”

“What?” Both Rowan and Ismene were stunned.

This was the real potion?

No way!

Was Vivienne not supposed to capture Mr. B?

Why would she give him the real potion?

Rowan felt confused and overwhelmed.

Quickly regaining his composure, he covered his emotions and said, “It seems Vivienne’s mother

actually included the potion components in the perfume formula. Had we known, we would have

disguised ourselves and come earlier to acquire the potion smoothly.”

Mr. B’s gaze was inscrutable, and after a moment, he asked, “How are Dorian and Cordelia?”

“They’re under Quincy’s watch, and everything appears normal,” Rowan replied.

“Once you deal with them, withdraw from the Brooks family,” Mr. B ordered coldly.

Rowan’s eyes flickered. “Understood.”

After a pause, he asked, “What about Quincy?”

“I’ll assign her a new task,” Mr. B replied.

Rowan nodded, said no more, and left with Ismene.

After their departure, Mr. B stared at the formula in his hands, his gaze deep and contemplative.

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Half an hour later, Rowan and Ismene rushed back in just as Mr. B prepared to leave the villa.

“Mr. B, bad news! Dorian and Cordelia have been rescued!” Rowan exclaimed with urgency.

Mr. B’s expression darkened, “What happened?”

“I’m not entirely sure. Quincy called, saying a group of well-trained intruders had stormed in. They

didn’t utter a word before engaging in a fight. They were armed, and Quincy didn’t want to risk

exposing our people infiltrated in Rivenwood, so no shots were fired. Dorian and his wife were taken

away without incident.”

“Fools!” Mr. B roared in anger.

Rowan was frantic, “What do we do now? If Dorian and Cordelia reappear, our cover will be blown.”

Mr. B’s face was grim as he thought momentarily and ordered, “Withdraw! Notify Quincy to evacuate

our people from Rivenwood immediately!”

“Understood.”

Rowan was about to leave when Ismene suddenly added, “If Vivienne’s people are the rescuers, it

might be too late to withdraw now. Even this place could be compromised soon.”

“Save whoever we can,” Mr. B said sternly.

Without further discussion, Rowan and Ismene left.

…

Brooks Mansion.

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After police intervention, the crowd blocking the Brooks’ gates had dispersed, but the online backlash

against the family was still intense.

Besides attending to Judith’s cremation, no one from the Brooks family had stepped outside.

In the somber drawing room of the Brooks family estate, the air was heavy with tension.

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At the head of the room sat Baron, patriarch of the Brooks clan, his presence as rigid and commanding

as his posture.

His sons, Scott and Timothy, sat on either side of him while the younger generation sat in less

prominent seats.

With a calm glance over his kin, Baron’s voice broke the silence. “Effective immediately, Scott will be

relieved of his duties as head of the family business. I shall take the reins. Cheryl will handle the

household affairs. Timothy and Ronald, you two are responsible for keeping the company staff in line.

Kala, I’m afraid your career in show business is over. You might as well come back to the business and

help your father and brother with the company’s affairs.”

At this, Kala protested, “Grandpa! Acting is my passion, my love. I don’t want to give it up. Even if the

glory days are behind me, I’d be happy to play just a minor role.”

Baron was silent for a moment before responding, “You are my eldest granddaughter, and I have

always supported you in whatever you choose to do. However, the backlash from this incident has

been severe. We’re not even talking about your acting career; the settlement alone might be more than

the Brooks family can handle right now.”Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated For

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Kala pressed her lips together, choosing silence.

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Over the years, through her hard work, she had won prestigious awards and earned a considerable

fortune.

As a celebrated actress, endorsements and gigs had come to her in waves.

Her schedule was booked solid through to the end of the following year.

While abundant resources were a boon, a fall from grace meant a more significant loss.

The money she had earned was nowhere near enough to cover the settlements.

And with the family company’s stock plummeting and numerous partners severing ties, the Brooks

family was in a crisis of their own.

She was at a loss for what to do next.

Then, a cool, detached voice unexpectedly filled the room, “I’ve settled your breach of contract penalty.

You can continue to pursue what you love.”

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