The Million-Dollar Heart

Fitness Fun in the Park

0.00 / 0.00

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 A young man shouldn't be so withdrawn."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

louder. "If I had known I'd never see my boy again, I would have never let him

Elliot

"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 photos home, so at least I could see his face from

We thought about moving abroad to be with him

her face in her hands. "My poor son... I didn't

offer her

realize that her son had died

raised was the enemy

too much to ask to see some photos

the father said as

painted a picture of a

did Elliot study abroad?" Vivienne

hands paused as he turned the pages, a complex look in his

of one

of the matter was becoming

was indeed the elusive F-Poison, 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

"Thank you. We've got what we need. Someone will be by shortly to take

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,

photos were quickly delivered to

face on the printout,

"Do you want me

wouldn't say anything. We'd be better off figuring out how F-Poison managed

been middle-aged by then. It's hard to believe he could pass for a high school student, let alone blend in and eventually study abroad." Vivienne had a hunch that the secrets F-Poison carried

phone rang; it was Karen. "Come to the

Quincy!