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.

and expert, she was

making the rounds on the black

Vivienne nodded. "Yes."

and added, "You're

in her hands. "Of course I am. This thing,

Vivienne

computer got hacked, and I noticed this paper had been copied. I knew someone must have plagiarized my

indeed, the content matched certain features

did you come across

on this, but I have one condition, a non-negotiable. Agree to it, and I'll research this for you pro bono." Interest sparked in Vivienne's eyes. "Is

deny it. "That's right,

smiled slyly.

aback. "I haven't even

could finish, Vivienne cut her

Leopold had heard this from outside, he would have said, "Vivienne, did you just sell me out

condition. Then they

was settled, and they left the new bomb prototype with

car the whole time,

attitude towards him today. And what was with her

would marry her in a heartbeat

old man disagreed, why take it out

Vivienne, Percival,

turned to Vivienne. "Did

him

"Did she make some outrageous demand? Did she give you guys a hard time?" Leopold pressed his lips, bracing himself, "Does she want me to...make an offer of marriage? Vivienne, you didn't

was young and foolish, and it was just on the cheek. I didn't even know what getting married

off

looked at him as if he was an

full of undisguised

Leopold turned to Anna. "Anna, what

slowly saying, "Griffin did make a condition, and

marry me, right? Impossible!"

To put it bluntly,