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 change? Leopold gave this to me, and I... I think it's quite

it was only for a day; no skin off his

right through him, commenting casually, "Master seems quite pleased. It appears Leopold has been quite

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 Leopold and learn something useful from Jerry,

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

were of no real interest to

knew better than to argue. It would only make

about Finnian's health, to which he boasted about his resilience if not

softened, asking if Vivienne had any more of that healing potion he found

up the entire bottle. Knowing him, he was probably

drifted as

them surprisingly palatable She was about to enjoy another when

suggesting remedies and acknowledging the unique bond between her and Mr. Wolf, especially through a particular scent that seemed

Their moment was abruptly

by Leopold, who had accidentally overheard their private conversation. Panicked, he promised to keep Vivienne's pregnancy a secret, unwittingly revealing it to everyone

cold silence that followed was punctuated by gasps, marking

hit them like a ton of bricks.

she thought. "This is a grudge

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

up, we've only been apart for a few days. How did this

as though they'd