The Million-Dollar Heart

Gary couldn't hold back his admiration. "Master, considering Vivienne's touch, this minor task is a piece of cake for her. Moreover, everything she handles turns into a collector's edition." Donald nodded earnestly, glancing at Finnian's bright red attire and swallowed hard. "Indeed, Master, maybe Vivienne could tweak something for you too?"

Daniel frowned, "You're going too far, guys. Our Master is a man of stature. Can we really afford to make him a spectacle in front of everyone?"

Finnian stroked his beard, finding Daniel's concern the only one that resonated with him.

However, Daniel's next comment nearly pushed Finnian to disown him as a disciple.

Casting a glance at Finnian's increasingly portly figure, Daniel shook his head, "Besides, what transformation can we expect at Master's age? Can we really expect him to match Vivienne's fitness?" There was a moment of silence before a unanimous agreement.

Lately, Master did seem to have indulged a bit too much.

Dressed in bright red, he actually looked... rather festive.

They all pondered when they'd have Finnian don such attire for their weddings, given none of them were keen on marrying yet.

Finnian's mood darkened further.

What sins had he committed in his past life to deserve such disciples?

Eric, unable to bear the tension and sitting directly across Finnian, adjusted his glasses, now seeing everything tinted in red. "Master, how about I send over a piece that's just as good as the one you're wearing?" Finnian was tempted but suppressed the thought immediately.

He had accepted those gifts from Leopold; what if Leopold asked for them back?

Knowing Leopold's temperament, it was entirely possible.

between a day's embarrassment and a box of treasures, Finnian found no room for hesitation. "What's there to change?

was only for a day; no skin off

"Master seems quite pleased. It appears

to defend himself, but the eager faces of his disciples looking for gossip stopped him. He vented his frustration, "What are you all standing around for? Go help Leopold and

had left, Finnian whispered to Vivienne, "Watch your words, girl. You know how they

jealously were of no real interest to his wealthy disciples, concerned more with assets in billions than with old medicinal herbs they'd

better than to argue. It

Finnian's health, to which he boasted about

had any more of that healing potion he found

the entire bottle. Knowing him, he

conversation drifted as

for some snack nuts on the table, finding them surprisingly palatable She was about to enjoy another when a sudden wave of nausea hit her, a secret struggle she had tried to

between her

Their moment was abruptly

Panicked, he promised to keep Vivienne's pregnancy a secret,

gasps, marking the revelation

news hit them like a ton of bricks. Vivienne

brewing behind her calm facade. "Well, Leopold," she thought. "This is a grudge I won't forget." Behind her, her friends

the so-called "Fourth Musketeer," gulped nervously. "Vivienne, when did this

only been apart for a few days. How did this happen so quickly...?" "It's like you've been keeping secrets

they'd