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

has her

reminded Brianna of something Hunter had mentioned

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 replace her,

ambition lit in Brianna's eyes, "Bro,

that Alyssa personally apologize to the Linklater family to be forgiven and accepted back into the Wright

Linklaters, Arthur would have killed her himself if she weren't so lucky.

It seemed nearly impossible.

she needs your help-to disappear from the

brother be too preoccupied to

pros and

no interest in the Wright family's

in charge,

hesitation, Colin

if remembering something, poking her head back in, "Bro, I forgot to tell you, Grandpa's hurt. Maybe this is your chance to get in his good graces." Colin nodded gently, his expression softening until Brianna left. Then, his face suddenly turned

a part

second-floor study, Hunter swallowed a pill

came through, "Forgot to mention, the person you ran into today is also one of mine. No

Hunter frowned, "Our person?"

"Who is he?"

you just yet. Maybe you'll meet when the time is

glanced at

leader of the Nine Mystics Society to be so skilled, "Most of it's been evacuated, but a batch

then instructed, "Those are inconsequential. Put aside what you're doing; I have a more important task for you." Vivienne drove Percival back

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

the first aid kit in the TV cabinet,

could become serious if not treated properly and exposed to

by her seriousness, reassured her, "Vivienne, it's just a

she brought the cotton swab down Percival's chest,