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.

treasures, Finnian found no room for hesitation. "What's there to

for a day; no

seems quite pleased. It appears Leopold has been

for gossip stopped him. He vented his frustration, "What are you all standing around for? Go

to Vivienne, "Watch

The treasures Finnian guarded so jealously were of no real interest to his wealthy disciples, concerned more with assets in billions than with old medicinal herbs they'd never

than to argue. It would only make things

to which he boasted about his resilience if not for an enchantment that halved his inner

Finnian's tone softened, asking if Vivienne had any more

the entire bottle. Knowing him, he was probably planning to trade it

drifted

nuts on the table, finding them surprisingly palatable She was about to enjoy another when

between her and Mr. Wolf, especially through a particular scent that seemed to

Their moment was abruptly

overheard their private conversation. Panicked, he promised to keep Vivienne's

by gasps, marking the revelation of a closely guarded

news hit them like a ton of bricks. Vivienne was

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

the so-called "Fourth Musketeer," gulped nervously. "Vivienne, when did this happen? Please tell me

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 keeping

acted as though they'd stumbled upon some scandalous