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.

for hesitation. "What's there to

a day; no skin off his

right through him, commenting casually, "Master seems

stopped him. He vented his frustration, "What are you all standing

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

real interest

than to argue. It would only make

about his resilience if not for an enchantment

had any more of that healing

incredulous that Finnian had used up the entire bottle. Knowing him, he was probably planning to trade it for cash.

drifted as

another when a sudden wave of nausea hit her, a secret struggle she had tried to

offered his help, suggesting remedies and acknowledging the unique bond between her

Their moment was abruptly

overheard their private conversation. Panicked, he promised to keep Vivienne's pregnancy a secret, unwittingly revealing it

sudden cold silence that followed was punctuated by gasps, marking the

them like a ton of bricks.

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

"Fourth Musketeer," gulped nervously. "Vivienne, when did this happen?

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

though they'd