The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

"The effects?" Vivienne interrupted Brody's lament over Connor's fate with a tone that was sharp yet laced with curiosity.

"Oh, it's pretty significant!" Brody's eyes shimmered with avarice. "It numbs the nerves, gradually corroding them to make room for new cells to take root. Downing it sends you into a state of self-loss, with brief moments of clarity at random times each day. It won't kill you-consider it a form of mental and physical torture. Similar to what you're familiar with, yet vastly different. Death isn't an option under its influence, and as for an antidote, haven't gotten around to that yet." As soon as Brody finished, Connor felt an intense gaze pierce him. He turned to Vivienne in panic, only to see a strange gleam in her eyes.

"If that's the case, why not test it on him? I'm quite eager to see if it really works as you describe." Before anyone could react, Brody strode forward, forcing the concoction down Connor's throat. Connor struggled weakly, to no avail, as Brody relentlessly continued until he lost consciousness.

Vivienne, devoid of any sympathy, watched Connor's limp form. "Go easy on him. I don't need you breaking my toys permanently." "Don't worry. He won't die without my permission. The cells will intervene at any sign of self-harm," Brody reassured her. Vivienne nodded and returned to her lab bench, engrossed in her work.

Hours passed, with Vivienne lost in her research, not once breaking for food. Anna glanced over, concern etched on her face. "Ms. Vivienne, maybe you should eat something? It's been quite a while since you took a break." Vivienne looked up. "Did you order takeout?" Embarrassed, Anna gestured towards the entrance where Percival stood, holding a strawberry cheesecake.

"Mr. Wolf, when did you get here?" Vivienne's eyes lit up at the sight of the cheesecake.

"Just arrived. Noticed you've been cooped up here for hours and hadn't headed back, so I thought I'd check on you. Lost track of tagain?" Percival set down the cake, inviting Anna to join them.

Vivienne eagerly dove into the cheesecake, the familiar taste bringing a smile to her face. "Did you make this yourself?" "Yes," Percival replied, wiping a smudge of cream from her lip. "What about the kids? Did someone pick them up?" The room fell silent, the mention of the kids reminding them of their oversight.

"We ot about the kids," Vivienne mumbled, checking the time. School had ended over an hour ago.

"Let's go pick them up before they start a riot," she sighed.

At the school gates, Juliette and her brother stood with their teacher, their faces a mix of disappointment and anxiety as they scanned the road for their ride.

The bustling entrance had quieted down, leaving them with their increasingly worried teacher. "Hasn't your dad messaged to say he'd be late? I've got nothing on my end." Juliette's face fell, feeling betrayed. Isaiah, trying to take control, dialed Leopold. Leopold, out at dinner with Griffin, was surprised by the call. "What's up, buddy?" Isaiah's expression was stern. "Where are you?" "Dining out with your godmother," Leopold panned the camera to show Griffin.

"Hi, Isaiah," Griffin greeted, her warmth failing to thaw Isaiah's icy demeanor.

"We're still at school," Isaiah revealed, prompting Leopold to gear up for a rescue mission, which Isaiah quickly shut down, assuring him they were about to be picked up.

Hanging up, Isaiah faced his visibly upset sister and their concerned teacher. Assuring the teacher they'd be fine and urging her to head home, the siblings waited, their day's end marked by a mix of resilience and I theforting knowledge that someone was always on their way for them. en.kikistories Isaiah grabbed Juliette's hand and took the lead, leaving the teacher a few steps behind, still processing the situation. Before she could react, the kids were already marching ahead, their heads bowed in a silent pact.

"Hey, where do you two think you're going without me? I'lle with you!" The teacher, concerned for their well-being, quickened her pace to catch up with them, her steps echoing against the backdrop of a setting sun that stretched their shadows long across the pavement. en.kikistories By the tPercival arrived, what he saw was a quaint procession: Isaiah and Juliette holding hands, their heads down, and their teacher, phone in hand, casting worried glances their way as she walked beside them.

Percival pulled his car over to the side of the road. "Juliette, Isaiah!" he called out.

Hearing his familiar voice, Isaiah looked over, but Juliette kept walking forward, not turning back. Isaiah, knowing her all too well, reached out and gently pulled her back.

The teacher, upon seeing the children's parents, let out a sigh of relief. However, Isaiah's mood seemed off. Just moments ago, he was animatedly talking about his mom and dad, so what was going on now? As Percival approached, it was clear there was sundercurrent of tension, a family matter perhaps, that had yet to be resolved. But for now, the sight of the two little ones, hand in hand with their teacher in tow against the golden hourglow, painted a picture of childhood innocence and theplex web of relationships that frour lives. en.kikistories