The Million-Dollar Heart

Mr. Cory was gobsmacked. He had never expected Karen to be such a prodigy, effortlessly sketching complex data charts as if it was second nature. What kind of wizardry was this? Karen, oblivious to his astonishment, casually brushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

"That's all the heads-up I can give you for now. This conundrum remains unsolved by anyone in the world." Standing up abruptly, Mr. Cory bowed deeply to Karen.

"The scientific community is beyond fortunate to have researchers like you. Your contributions are invaluable."

His words sparked a wave of admiration among the guests, culminating in thunderous applause.

The next visitor was a kindly old lady, her hair silver with age, her high cheekbones and gentle eyes radiating warmth.

She approached slowly, adjusting her spectacles. Karen rose to help her to a chair, receiving a grateful smile in return. "My dear Karen, your brilliance and flair are simply unmatched! Watching you solve those problems was a sight to behold."

"But the favor I seek might require us to step out," she added, her eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief.

Karen raised an eyebrow, a playful smile on her lips. "You'll have to spill the beans before I agree to anything."

restoring a piece of pottery from the late Victorian era. But we'll need

mere change in temperature or humidity could

for a moment before asking, "Where is this

stone's throw from the Linklater estate, about a ten-minute drive. If it makes you feel more comfortable,

husband will join us. But what about our

further ado, and along with the old lady and Arthur, they left for the workshop, leaving the guests to their own devices.

holding Karen's hand, couldn't hide his pride. "Honey, when

a fascination with the past - pottery, ancient scripts, treasure hunting, and more. Just hobbies

me sometime. Now that I'm not on the front lines,

it done," Karen

team of conservators worked diligently, each absorbed in their task. The room was kept at precise conditions

donned a mask and gloves, her focus undivided as she

Methodically, she began the