The Million-Dollar Heart

Fitness Fun in the Park

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"Sir, would you mind sharing the story with us in more detail?" Vivienne inquired.

The old man nodded, "Of course. That year left a deep impression on us. Elliot was the beacon of hope for our entire family. Even our distant relatives had high hopes for him. After all, for a low-income family like ours, having a kid in high school was already a big deal.

Elliot's grades, though, were average at best. He was not exactly a standout student and didn't have many friends. He was a bit of a loner.

But ever since the kidnapping, it was as if he had become a different person. He was much more outgoing. Even got scolded by me for dating a girl from school. Truth be told, I thought the boy who came back was a lot better off. A young man shouldn't be so withdrawn."

Vivienne exchanged a glance with Percival.

Most people would be crushed by such traumatic memories and not emerge more cheerful and sociable.

How could this Elliot have possibly transformed so positively?

The father continued, "Elliot didn't let us down, though. He got into Elite University, and after graduating, he went abroad for further studies."

At the mention of going abroad, the silent mother let out a stifled sob, tears streaming down her face.

Vivienne silently passed her a tissue, "Did something happen?"

The man sighed, his expression growing somber. "We were originally against the idea of him going abroad, but Elliot was determined. He worked his way through, not needing a dime from us. Reluctantly, his mother and I agreed. But once he left, he never returned."

had known I'd never see my boy again, I would have never let him go abroad for his

happened to Elliot overseas?" Percival

he rarely contacted us; communication was difficult back then, and we couldn't go abroad. Thankfully, he sent photos home, so at least I could

with him since he was settled. But

in her hands. "My poor son... I didn't even get to see him

could only offer her condolences for

not realize that her son

was the

too much to ask to

fewer from his years abroad, less than ten in total, but they're all here," the father said as he handed

photos painted a picture of a simple life, mostly spent on

study abroad?"

He wouldn't have gone overseas otherwise," the father replied. Percival's hands paused as he turned the pages,

the corner of one of

of the matter was becoming

who had used the art of disguise to hide in Elliot's home, taking his place and living on before using his time abroad to continue his sinister deeds. During his studies, he had met Flynn

said, "Thank you. We've got what we

no trouble at all. We haven't had anyone to talk to about Elliot for a long time. Thank you for remembering our son," the father said, bowing to Vivienne and Percival, his eyes

the photos were

Flynn's face on the printout, Percival's fingertips

expression, asked, "Do you want me

We'd be

then. It's hard to believe he could pass for a high school student, let alone blend in

it was Karen. "Come to the hospital. Your undercover girl

Quincy!