The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Finnian was skeptical, "It's an interesting theory, but not very practical.' "No magic or trick has ever allowed anyone to live that long, and even if it did, maintaining youthfulness without any signs of aging on the face or body? Highly unlikely." Vivienne was about to probe further when Kellan Reed and Geoffrey, each with a drink in hand, appeared behind her. "Finnian, a toast to you on this fine day. The kids' wedding wouldn't be happening without your help!" Finnian's eyes lost their sharpness as he turned around with a smile, "Oh, you're making too much of it. They're practically family." That phrase alone brought the two families closer together.

Kellan shot Geoffrey a smug look.

Just moments ago, weren't they at each other's throats? Who else would think of gifting a bomb as a dowry? On the wedding day, would the Martinez family bring in a fighter jet to display in their backyard? It seemed to highlight the Martinez family's contributions to national defense.

Over the years, the Reed family had donated generously to the nation, especially in scientific research. Kellan's son had been donating a third of his incannually, following a long-standing family tradition.

Their contributions were just directed differently, but both families were equally patriotic.

So, the Martinez family's weapon research was considered a contribution, but his money wasn't? Without funding, what would they research with? Geoffrey, not one to back down, stepped forward with his drink, "Master, the wedding is set for next spring, but there seems to be an extra month according to the lunar calendar. What do you make of it?" The three old foxes gathered, each with their own agenda.

Finnian knew he was walking into a trap.

It was Leopold's wedding date he had chosen; he was well aware of any potentially inauspicious timings.

But then he remembered the precious box he had received from the Martinez family.

Could he pretend to be drunk now? Vivienne, listening on the side, wanted to laugh.

Caught in a bind because he had accepted a gift, Finnian had to think fast. "Well... getting married during an extra lunar month does have its superstitions. It's best to avoid it if possible, otherwise, the date must be pushed back." Geoffrey shrugged, "Then it looks like we'll have to delay it." Kellan, panicking, nearly dropped his glass, "No, no, the date was meticulously chosen. We can't push it back; we have to move it earlier if anything." Geoffrey retorted, "But this is what the master has calculated, not me!" "And who wants to send their daughter away right before New Year's? Sure, your family will be happy, but what about me? My granddaughter will be gone, and I'll be left all alone during the festivities?" Kellan was at a loss for words, turning to Finnian in desperation, "Master, is there no way around this?" Finnian stroked his beard, "There is... but it's a bit of a hassle." "Anything, as long as it doesn't delay the wedding!" Finnian's eyes twinkled, "Simple. Make a set of clothes and shoes for each member of the bride's family. This act can break the superstition." "Make clothes?" Kellan, eyeing Geoffrey's calm demeanor, frowned, "Does buying them not count?" Geoffrey scoffed, "Questioning the master's words? Seems like you're not keen on keeping the wedding date." Finnian nodded, "Right. This isn't something you can cut corners on. A family elder must personally take everyone's measurements and shoe sizes. Then find someone over eighty to cut the fabric, so the blessings reach the newlyweds." Kellan gritted his teeth, "Fine, we'll measure." Geoffrey's eyes flashed with victory, ready for the challenge.

As Kellan was about to leave, his gaze fell on a group nearby, counting exactly eight people. He immediately brightened, "Master, I presthese are your other disciples, all looking quite exceptional. And to think you consider our Leopold your favorite, I'm truly humbled." The group was taken aback.

Who said that? Even with poor eyesight, one couldn't make such a wild claim.

After Vivienne and Percival, each disciple considered themselves the favorite.

How could Leopold, always the crybaby, be the favorite? Finnian groaned, "Ah, this wine's hithard... I can't..." Vivienne, "..." She couldn't stay any longer. "Mr. Wolf, I'm full. Shall we take a walk?" Percival smiled, "Sure." After saying goodbye to Kellan and Geoffrey, they left.

Kellan and Geoffrey, realizing the awkwardness, quickly made their excuses and left, their actions mirror images of each other.

As Vivienne left, she reminded her fellow disciples to take good care of Finnian, lest he "drunkedly" lose his way home.

They all agreed, but once Vivienne was gone, they circled Finnian.

"Master, no more acting. Who's your favorite disciple?" "Yeah, besides Vivienne, we've been with you the longest. How did Leopold becthe favorite?" "So, you're saying you prefer Leopold over us, even with his constant whining?" "You have to clear this up today, or this isn't over!" Meanwhile, Vivienne, catching her breath outside, received a call from Anna.

Anna's voice, frantic and unusual for her calm demeanor, cthrough, "Vivienne, am I seeing things? This can't be possible..." Vivienne's brow furrowed. It was rare for Anna to lose her composure.

"What's wrong?" Anna seemed to have seen a ghost, urgently blurting out, "Vivienne, something's cup, I'll call you back." Then the line went dead.

Vivienne tried calling back, but it went straight to voicemail.

When Percival showed up, Vivienne was staring intently at her phone Seeing him, she couldn't help but ask, "Mr. Wolf, has Anna taken on any new assignments lately?" Content belongs to en.kikistoriesQUMS Percival raised an eyebrow, "Why do you ask all of a sudden?" Vivienne gestured to her phone, sharing the brief call she had received from Anna.

Percival's expression grew serious as he pulled out his phone and made a call.

Soon, he received a message.

"No new assignments. And according to the lab where Anna works, she called in this morning to take a week off, no reason given." "A week off?" Vivienne's worry deepened.

It wasn't like Anna to take toff without a clear reason, especially not for an entire week.

Percival squinted thoughtfully, "Should we have someone tail her?" Vivienne shook her head slightly, "No need.

in ė can handle herself. If we step we might just interfere with whatever she's investigating." Content belongs to en.kikistoriesUMS