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 A young man shouldn't be so withdrawn."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."

my boy again, I would have never let him go abroad

happened to Elliot overseas?"

away tears. "Elliot did well in school and work, consistently earning scholarships. But he rarely contacted us; communication was difficult back then, and we couldn't go abroad. Thankfully, he sent

Elliot graduated and got a job at the university, we knew he wouldn't come back. We thought about moving abroad to be with him since he was settled. But then... there was a shooting at his school. Many students and teachers died, and Elliot was among

in her hands. "My poor son... I didn't even get to see him one last time. How could he have left before

her condolences for the woman's

that her son had died

child they raised was the enemy in

down, Percival asked, "Would it be too much to ask to see some

as he handed over the photo album to Percival. Percival flipped through the album, noticing pictures of Elliot in graduation robes, on casual outings, and working

a picture of a simple

study abroad?"

wouldn't have gone overseas otherwise," the father replied. Percival's hands paused as he turned the pages, a complex look in his eyes. Noticing the

in the corner of one of Elliot's photos,

of the matter was

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

you. We've got what we need. Someone will be by

haven't had anyone to talk to about Elliot for a long time. Thank you for remembering our son," the father said, bowing to

were quickly

face on the printout, Percival's fingertips

"Do you want me to go and ask

need. Even if we asked him, he wouldn't say anything. We'd be better

let alone blend in and eventually

to the hospital. Your undercover girl has woken

Quincy!