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.

found no room for hesitation. "What's there to change? Leopold gave

it was only for a day; no skin

casually, "Master seems

his words, about 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

left, Finnian whispered to Vivienne, "Watch your words, girl.

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

knew better than to argue. It would

Finnian's health, to which he boasted about his resilience if not for an enchantment that halved his inner

Vivienne had any

had used up the entire bottle. Knowing him, he was probably

conversation drifted as

table, finding them surprisingly palatable She was about to enjoy another when a sudden wave of nausea hit her, a secret struggle she

and acknowledging the unique bond between her and Mr. Wolf, especially through a particular

Their moment was abruptly

he promised to keep Vivienne's pregnancy a

punctuated by gasps, marking the revelation of a

news hit them like a ton

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

this happen?

always the clueless one, blinked in confusion. "Hold up, we've only been apart for a few days. How did this happen so quickly...?" "It's like you've been

acted as though they'd stumbled upon