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.

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

was only for a day;

commenting casually, "Master seems quite pleased. It appears

He vented his frustration, "What are you all standing around for? Go

the disciples had left, Finnian whispered to Vivienne, "Watch

The treasures Finnian guarded so jealously were of no real interest to his wealthy

knew better than to argue.

she inquired about Finnian's health, to which he boasted about his resilience if

if Vivienne had any

used up the entire bottle. Knowing him, he was probably planning to trade it for cash. "None left," she replied

drifted

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

noticing Vivienne's discomfort, offered his help, suggesting remedies and acknowledging the unique bond between her

Their moment was abruptly

who had accidentally overheard their private conversation. Panicked, he promised to keep Vivienne's pregnancy

was punctuated by gasps, marking the revelation of

like a ton of bricks. Vivienne was

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

nervously. "Vivienne, when did this happen? Please tell

up, we've only been apart for a few days. How did this happen so quickly...?"

though they'd stumbled