The Million-Dollar Heart

Brianna swallowed nervously, afraid to speak further.

Colin poured a glass of water and handed it to her, his demeanor returning to its usual calm, "How many times have I told you? You need to stay composed. What's got you so jumpy now?"

Taking a sip of water, Brianna caught her breath, "Bro, I was just about to talk to you about it. Guess who I ran into when I got back?"

Colin's eyes darkened slightly as he asked, "Who?"

Brianna's eyes widened, "Grandpa. I saw him dressed all in black, coming back from outside as I was leaving the garage. I thought it was a burglar at first and got the scare of my life, only to realize it was Grandpa."

Recalling the incident sent shivers down Brianna's spine as if Grandpa Hunter was still lurking around.

Colin squinted, a slight tension appearing on his pale face, "Are you sure it was Grandpa you saw?"

"Absolutely. I'd recognize Grandpa's voice anywhere, not to mention that mask... Who in our family wouldn't?"

Brianna bit her lip, frowning in confusion, "I just don't get what Grandpa was up to. He seemed so secretive, almost like he didn't want to be seen..."

Colin kept his cool, "You're curious?"

Brianna was startled and quickly shook her head, "Curious? No way. I don't want to end up like Alyssa, missing without a trace..."

"Bro, you have no idea. Lately, the servants have been hearing noises from the old castle behind our property in the middle of the night. It's eerie, like something creeping up from underground." This piqued Brianna's interest despite herself.

"But it's weird. I went down to the last floor of the castle looking for Alyssa before, but she wasn't there. So, whose voice was it?"

Colin settled back into his chair, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the armrest, "What's the rush? We only have three days left until Grandfather's decree takes effect."

Brianna squinted, "You mean Alyssa will be released in three days."

"I thought she'd be lucky to escape with her life this time."

glanced at Brianna indifferently, "She's not so easy to get rid

still has

reminded Brianna of something Hunter had mentioned

the Wright family's precious daughter. But what good does that do? Look at her age; it's debatable whether she'll even marry off." Colin saw through it all, "If you want to

of ambition lit in Brianna's eyes, "Bro, what are you

has ordered that Alyssa personally apologize to the Linklater

Linklaters, Arthur would have killed

It seemed nearly impossible.

your help-to disappear

too preoccupied to notice anything else, giving us a chance

the pros and cons before

Wright family's assets, but she

have to promise me, once you're in charge, you'll help me deal

Colin

head back in, "Bro, I forgot to tell you, Grandpa's hurt. Maybe

was indeed a part of

study, Hunter swallowed a pill from

the person you

Hunter frowned, "Our person?"

"Who is he?"

tell you just yet. Maybe you'll meet

glanced at his

to be so skilled, "Most of it's

inconsequential. Put aside what you're doing; I have a more important task for you." Vivienne drove Percival

took a cab home, not wishing to third-wheel any

kit in the TV cabinet, instructing Percival to sit while helping him

become serious if not

seriousness, reassured her, "Vivienne,

at her lips as she brought the cotton swab down Percival's chest, teasingly close to his