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.

and a box of treasures, Finnian found no room for hesitation. "What's

a day; no skin off his

him, commenting casually, "Master seems

himself, but the eager faces of his disciples looking for gossip stopped him. He vented his frustration, "What are you all standing around for?

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

her eyes. The treasures Finnian guarded so jealously were of no real interest to his wealthy disciples, concerned more with assets in billions than with

better than to argue. It would only

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

something, Finnian's tone softened, asking if Vivienne had any more of that healing

turned away, incredulous that Finnian had used up the entire bottle. Knowing him, he

conversation drifted

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

remedies and acknowledging the unique bond between

Their moment was abruptly

their private conversation. Panicked, he promised to

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

a ton of bricks. Vivienne was

calm facade. "Well, Leopold," she thought. "This is a grudge I won't

nervously. "Vivienne, when did this happen? Please tell me we're not the last to

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

though they'd stumbled upon some