The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

The moment the words were uttered, the entire dinner table fell into a hush so profound that even the children instinctively quieted down. No one moved to eat; forks and knives were neatly placed on the table as if in a coordinated pause.

Floyd, caught off-guard while about to take a bite, dropped his fork with a clatter back onto his plate, his eyes widening in that instant as if his breath had hitched.

After a brief silence, a bitter smile crept onto Floyd's face. He glanced evasively into his plate, and if one listened closely, they could detect a slight choke in his voice, "Not just yet." Unable to bear the tension, Maddox stood up, gesturing for everyone to reseating, "Let's focus on our meal for now. Let the past be the past. Let's not let our food go cold." Floyd's mood soured further; he barely touched his food before setting his fork down, "I'm done. You all enjoy. I'll be in my room." "Is he still hung up over his mom who left him?" Maddox wondered aloud, puzzled. "After all these years, she hasn't shown up once, and he's still upset when it's brought up." During this time, Isaiah received an email that seemed to darken his mood further. "What's wrong, Isaiah? You look troubled," Sasha asked, concerned.

Isaiah shook his head and passed his phone to her. Sasha, too, was taken aback after reading the email.

"It's what I've had someone dig up recently. Every bit of vacation the gets, he's flying to different places, holding his mom's picture, asking around. Always returning without answers, but he never stops searching." Juliette suddenly remembered, "His decision to go abroad was so abrupt. I remember he got a message, and then he immediately went to handle his paperwork without a moment's delay." The reason Floyd stayed abroad for so long was now clear, and Jasper, who had brought up the subject, fell silent.

Floyd, observing his family's reaction, couldn't help but laugh. Was that all it took for them to believe? It seemed they were indeed fools.

All the news was a facade he'd orchestrated the day before. In truth, he'd never left the base, dedicating immense effort to developing poisons and bombs, all to ensure he could get rid of them once and for all.

"Enjoy your last night," he thought to himself.

The family chatted for a while before going to bed, with Floyd abstaining. Though swere concerned, they gave him space. Juliette sent him a message.

"Grandpa didn't mean what he said at dinner. Don't take it to heart." Floyd glanced at the message with disdain but replied hypocritically, "It's fine, I know. I'm just not feeling well, going to rest. We can talk tomorrow." Juliette sighed at his reply and didn't press further.

The next morning, Floyd awoke early, ready to implement a plan five years in the making. Nothing could go wrong today.

He nodded a greeting to a servant and headed downstairs.

Two exquisite gift boxes were soon presented to his siblings, "Happy birthday, Lenny, Lydia. This is just a little something from me. I hope you like it." Juliette, holding the gifts, didn't rush to open them. They thanked Floyd.

"Don't make it so formal. We're family, aren't we?" Isaiah, hearing this, felt a discomfort he couldn't shake.

vol.ne He glanced at Floyd, who was laughing with Juliette and the others, seemingly without a care. Yet, Isaiah couldn't shake off his unease. Today, he felt, he had keep a close eye on Floyd, convinced he was waiting for a chance. Content belongs to en.kikistoriesUnbeknownst to Floyd, Isaiah was already on high alert. Floyd followed the others to the banquet hall, where preparations were nearly complete. Drinks and cakes were neatly were vel arranged, and greeters the swn door. Content belongs to en.kikistoriesJasper nodded in approval, "Well done. This looks fantastic." "Granddad, please have a seat. The guests will be arriving soon." Isaiah escorted Jasper to a sitting area, receiving a low caution as they arrived.

"Keep an eye on Floyd. He's up to something." Isaiah, surprised, followed Jasper's gaze to Floyd, who was assisting with the final touches.

"Granddad, you suspect him too?" Isaiah inquired.

Jasper nodded, "That email from yesterday... something felt off. The person in those photos wasn't him, just someone of a similar build. I suspect those images and data were meant to mislead you." "How did you find this?" Isaiah confirmed it was through hacking.

Jasper's concern deepened, "If he's behind this, he might have someone more skilled than you, or he's figured out your methods. We can't underestimate him." "I understand, Granddad," Isaiah said, their exchange catching Floyd's attention, especially their wary glances.

Floyd was curious to see how the day would unfold, eager to witness their reactions.

Guests began to arrive, with Griffin's family among the first.

Gordon, following behind, greeted Vivienne and the others before finally handing gifts to Juliette and Isaiah.

"I spent a long tpicking these out. You two better appreciate them," Gordon said, offering the gifts.

As expected, Gordon got a whooping from Griffin, a swift knuckle to the head. "You little rascal, haven't I told you about manners? You spend all day pup these habits from your dad, no respect for your elders!" Content belongs to en.kikistoriesRubbing his head, Gordon tried again, "I've prepared these gifts with all my heart, hoping you and sis would like them." That seemed to satisfy Griffin, who finally let go of his son's arm. "That's more like it. Be polite to your brother and sister. You've got to act your age, you know?" Before leaving, Griffin pointed at his own eyes, warning, "Behave. I've got my eye on you." Gordon swallowed hard, nodding quickly.

Juliette couldn't help but tease Gordon along with Isaiah, "He really is a chip off the old block, just like his godfather." "Well, that's his dad, after all." "Of course he looks like him; he's my dad!"