The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Yorick sat at the head of the table, with space for four on one side. Arthur and Sasha, along with Percival and Vivienne, naturally chose to sit together, leaving the four seats on the opposite side momentarily empty.

Before long, Dracon and Hector Linklater entered together, even Hector, the seldom-seen youngest Linklater, had made it back for dinner tonight.

Vivienne's gaze landed on Dracon subtly. Her sources had recently informed her that Dracon had been busy searching for something outside. She was quite curious about what Dracon was looking for and whether he would find it. She wondered if Abigail would be dragged into this.

As soon as Dracon entered, he nervously chuckled, "Bro, Dad, I just bumped into our youngest as soon as I walked in. What a coincidence." Yorick responded with a heavy silence, "Let's all sit down. Call Hailey down, let's have dinner together." Hailey descended the stairs gracefully, taking her seat to Yorick's right. Her piercing gaze swept across each member of the Linklater family. Upon noticing Percival, her eyebrows furrowed, creating deep lines on her face, her voice low and displeased, "This is a family dinner, and the first meal I have upon returning, and there's a stranger among us." Her comment instantly quieted the atmosphere. Vivienne's eyes shot a chilly glance, as sharp as a knife, "Letintroduce, Percival, my husband." This was the first tVivienne had publicly referred to Percival as her husband instead of Mr. Wolf. A simple title, which she never thought much of, but if someone was looking for trouble, she wasn't going to indulge them.

Hailey scoffed indifferently, her gaze darkening as she looked at Vivienne, "You rush to his defense with just one word from me. If the Linklater family ever faces trouble, are you going to side with him completely?" "Enough!" Yorick's voice interrupted, "I gathered you all for a meal, not to argue. Percival and Vivienne are married; they're family now. And there's another important matter. I'm planning to set a date this week for Arthur and Sasha's wedding!" "On the wedding day, every member of the Linklater family must be present!" "Dad, don't worry. It's a joyous occasion for our family, I'll definitely be there," Hector said, breaking the tension with a polite gesture. He poured himself a glass of wine and toasted to Arthur and Sasha.

Arthur downed his drink in one go, "That's my brother!" Dracon, feeling awkward as Arthur's words seemed to exclude him, tried to dispel his irritation by also standing and toasting Arthur.

Arthur reciprocated with a cheerful drink, while Sasha looked on with a smile.

Vivienne used the serving chopsticks to offer Sasha a dish, then served Percival and Yorick, turning to Sasha casually, "Mom, Mr. Wolf and I were discussing a case. A woman in Rivenwood had her heart ripped out, and the killer is still at large." Sasha's expression darkened with concern, "When did you find out?" Vivienne, nibbling on a piece of brisket, replied vaguely, "We discovered it tonight. The news is still under wraps. We don't know if it's the first case in Rivenwood or if there are others elsewhere." "What could anyone want with a human heart?" Sasha shook her head, taking a bite of chicken, "It's unclear for now. We might need to check if similar incidents occurred elsewhere." Vivienne nodded, "That's what I was thinking. Mom, be careful out there, it's not safe." Sasha, unfazed, was more concerned about Dracon, who suddenly felt nauseous at the conversation. Were Vivienne and Sasha doing this on purpose? Dracon, looking at the feast before him, lost his appetite, haunted by the image of a bloody heart. Noticing Dracon's glare towards his wife and daughter, Arthur's mood soured, "Bros there something wrong with the food?" Dracon, startled by Arthur's cold tone, managed to stammer, "No... I was just distracted..." He forced down his nausea, munching on sgreens and washing it down with wine.

Hailey, frowning as usual, muttered, "We were having a nice dinner, and you had to bring up heart removal. Who could eat after that? Why blDracon?" Arthur raised an eyebrow, his tone slightly mocking, "A Linklater man can't be weak! Upset by a conversation and can't eat? What else can't you do?" Dracon shrank back, silently agreeing, feeling outmatched with Arthur's family around.

Yorick, unbothered by the squabbles, changed the subject, "Arthur, have you and Sasha picked out the wedding dress yet?" Sasha, beaming at the mention, replied for Arthur, "Dad, we've almost decided. I really love the dress Arthur customized for me!" Yorick chuckled, "I'll talk to Jasper tomorrow, get your wedding sorted out as soon as possible. It'll put my mind at ease, after all, the Linklaters have owed Sasha too much!" Sasha smiled softly, "I've never really cared about all that. Even Vivienne, she was a blessing I wholeheartedly welcomed. As long as we're happy together, that's all that matters. No debts, no regrets!" Under the table, Arthur's hand found Sasha's, a warm, comforting gesture that spoke volumes.

The following morning, Yorick, alongside Arthur and Sasha, made their way to the Perez residence. Upon their arrival, Jasper was found deeply engrossed in a gof chess, pondering his next move.

Opposite him sat a familiar figure to Sasha, the grumpy yet lovable Finnian. Finnian, frowning deeply, was nearly poking the chessboard as he urged, "Jasper, make your move already, will ya? Stop dawdling!" Jasper retorted, "Hold your horses, you old geezer. I'm about to make my move!" Yorick's hearty laughter echoed from afar as he approached the Perez's sprawling estate with Sasha and Arthur. The sight of Sasha brightened Jasper's eyes instantly, and he stood up, exclaiming Ah, Sasha's back! Been missing me, haven't you?" Sasha hurried over, taking Jasper's hands in hers, her face radiating warmth, "Dad, I'm home! Arthur, Yorick, and I cto see how you're doing!" Jasper exchanged a knowing look with Yorick then said gently, "Why don't you and Arthur cinside for a chat? Sasha, you stay out here. Help Finnian finish this gfor me, and make sure you win it for me, alright?"