The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Percival had just returned hwhen he saw Vivienne speeding off in her car. She was focused intently on the road ahead, with a look of deep concern etched on her face, as if she was wrestling with sgrave matter.

"What are you doing standing out here?" Luke Perez approached alongside Carmen Pendleton, their friendly facesing into view.

By the tLuke followed his gaze, Vivienne's car was long gone.

"Isn't the old man inside?” Carmen pointed towards the house, her tone light and curious.

"He's in there, you guys go on in!" Maddox emerged from the yard, "He was just here, watching Vivienne drive off. Like a scene from an old romance movie, waiting by the window." Carmen couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle, "You two really do have something special." Before Percival could respond, Maddox chimed in, "Of course, when two lovebirds find each other, it's a lifetof passion." Percival nodded in agreement, his smile acknowledging the truth in Maddox's words, "Uncle, do you know where Vivienne went?" "I honestly have no idea,” Maddox spread his hands in a gesture of ignorance. “She checked her phone after dinner and just left, didn't even say where she was going, just told us not to wait up for her to eat." "Sounds like someone needed her. She'll probably be back once she's done," Willa joined the conversation, stepping out from the house.

Percival then noticed that all four of them were carrying various items, "You guys heading out?" "Yeah, the kids wanted to go to the aquarium today. Are yours up for it? We could take them along." Percival thought about the recent conversation with their school principal about their behavior, his expression darkening, "They're at school. Go ahead without them." After exchanging quick goodbyes, the group left.

Vivienne arrived at the lab, where Anna was waiting for her.

"Ms. Vivienne, these are the lab's reports. I can't make heads or tails of them, and Brody's too engrossed in his experiments to be any help," Anna's voice trailed off.

Vivienne, not overly concerned, took the documents from her. The reports weren't in any language she recognized.

Raising an eyebrow, Vivienne mused, "International collaboration?" She noticed a series of runes marked with an X.

"This doesn't look like your average research report. It's more akin to a ritual of ssort," Anna pointed out, "And that's just a fraction of it. Most of the lab's work is split between these runes and the pursuit of an elixir for eternal life." The contents of the Luck Village lab were clearly divided: half in ancient Roman script, the other half dedicated to the pursuit of immortality. Vivienne suddenly realized the gravity of what lay before her, taking a seat with the report in hand.

"Carry on with your work," she instructed Anna without looking up.

Anna cast a worried glance at Vivienne before bustling off to her tasks.

Vivienne knew the significance of the runes, despite their mysterious nature, something she hadn't encountered in her years of experience.

The documents now represented Vivienne's greatest challenge. If Connor was so set on reviving Abigail, could these be part of his plan? Deep in thought, Vivienne made her way to the dungeon, where she found Connor barely clinging to life.

At the sound of her entrance, Connor struggled to open his eyes, his gaze widening in shock when he saw Vivienne, "What do you want!" His attempt at intimidation was feeble, less threatening than the bark of a dog. Vivienne crouched before him, presenting the report, "What does this say?" Connor glanced at it, seemingly having anticipated this moment.

He turned his head away, refusing to look at Vivienne.

"Playing coy won't help you now, Connor," Vivienne said coldly, grabbing his hair.

Connor winced in pain, his blood-stained face bing even more grotesque.

Unfazed, Vivienne pressed the report against his forehead, “I'll ask you one more time. What do these runes mean?" Connor scoffed, moving slightly closer to her. Vivienne pulled his head back to maintain distance.

In a weak voice, he defied her, "I would never tell you." As Vivienne released him, he collapsed to the ground. That moment, the door swung open.

"When will the pharmaceutical lab be ready for me? The new drug I've been developing has nowhere to be tested!" Brody stormed in, frustration evident in his voice.

He waved a vial of clear liquid, "You have no idea how much I anticipate its power. It'll rival any of your el:m just waiting on you to secure that lab." en.kikistories "When did I agree to get you a lab?” Vivienne looked at him, puzzled.

"You're kidding, right? You promisedthe last tyou were here. I've been looking forward to moving into that lab, and now you're backing out?" Brody's eyes were wide with disbelief, unable to fathom Vivienne deceiving him. en.kikistories Vivienne reviewed her memories, realizing she might have inadvertently agreed, though something felt off. To promise a lab meant a significant financialmitment.

As she mentally tallied the cost, Brody's incessant whining only added to her headache. His slightest movement drew their attention.

"Is this your new toy for me?" Brody moved to inspect Connor's condition.

Vivienne blocked him, "He's not for playing with. He still serves a purpose to me." "Ah, figures." Brody shook his head, clearly disappointed. If Vivienne had already put it that way, it obviously meant the guy wasn't long for this world.

Vivienne was about to show Brody the door when something caught her eye. She squinted at the pill bottle in his hand, "What kind of stuff are you peddling now?" Brody's smile was unsettling, "Surprised you're showing an interest in my goods!" Vivienne ignored Brody's theatrical demeanor.

"This is a new concoction of mine, hasn't been tested on humans yet. I thought this toy was all set for him but turns out, it's not." Brody gave Connor a look of disappointment, "Looks like you're missing out on my masterpiece, buddy." en.kikistories Connor glared back at Brody, as if to say, 'As if I'd want to be your guinea pig.'