The Million-Dollar Heart

Leopold could not believe it as the call abruptly ended.

Griffin hung up on him!

This was not normal!

Even Vivienne was taken aback. She remembered quite vividly what Griffin was like the last time they met.

But this time, it was a complete turnaround.

Taking a deep breath, Leopold joined Vivienne and Percival on their way to the Runxing Community.

In the residential area.

Griffin was waiting at the front door. As soon as she saw Vivienne, she greeted her warmly, "Vivienne, long time no see."

"It has been a while," Vivienne greeted back.

"Come on in," Griffin said as she opened the door. "It's just me at home."

Vivienne and Percival walked in side by side, followed closely by Anna.

Just as Leopold was about to follow them inside, Griffin suddenly shut the door and said sternly, "Didn't you hear me? It's just me at home. You think you can just barge into a lady's private space?" Leopold was almost speechless. He incredulously pointed at Percival. "What about him?"

"He's Vivienne's fiancé, practically family. Of course, he can come in," Griffin said, raising an eyebrow at Leopold. "And you are?"

With a thud, the door closed, leaving Leopold alone in the chilling wind.

Griffin's place was not like the typical girl's house. It had an old-fashioned charm, with mahogany furniture and a table in the center of the living room.

The only out-of-place item was a Husky figurine on the tea table.

Vivienne sat down without concern for why Leopold could not come in and got straight to the point, "Griffin, we're here because we need your help with something." As Griffin skillfully poured tea for everyone, she asked, "What's up?"

Percival pulled out a model of a cutting-edge bomb, explaining, "We need to figure out the workings and structure of this bomb and develop a detector for it. Interested?" Griffin's eyes lit up.

weapons enthusiast and

making the rounds on the black market?"

Vivienne nodded. "Yes."

Griffin and added, "You're

model closely, turning it over in her hands. "Of

idea?" Vivienne

computer got hacked, and I noticed

scanned the paper; indeed, the content matched certain features

across this?" Vivienne

to business, Vivienne. I agree to work with you on this, but I have one condition, a non-negotiable. Agree to it, and I'll research this for you pro bono." Interest sparked

deny it. "That's

slyly. "I

taken aback. "I haven't even

Vivienne cut her off,

from outside, he would have

Then they

about ten minutes at Griffin's house, the partnership was settled, and they left the new bomb prototype with

time, his mind a

him today. And what was

would marry

the old man disagreed, why take

saw Vivienne, Percival, and Anna

to Vivienne. "Did

glanced at him and simply

you guys a hard time?" Leopold pressed his lips, bracing himself, "Does she want me to...make an

I was young and foolish, and it was just on the cheek. I didn't even know what getting married meant. Besides, the old man would never agree. Vivienne, I do want to figure out that bomb, but I can't agree

rattled off his

him as if

eyes were full of undisguised

turned to Anna. "Anna, what on earth

a long, measured look before slowly saying, "Griffin did make a condition, and indeed,

it. She wants to marry me,

temples. "Griffin's condition is that you must be utterly out of sight during the research. You can't even deliver documents. To put