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.

a top-tier weapons enthusiast and expert,

this that elusive new bomb making the rounds

Vivienne nodded. "Yes."

Griffin and

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

idea?" Vivienne

ago. But then my computer got hacked, and I noticed this paper had been copied. I knew

the paper; indeed, the content matched certain features of

did you come across this?"

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.

aback. "I haven't

could finish, Vivienne cut her off, "It doesn't

have said, "Vivienne, did

and stated her condition. Then they quickly moved on

partnership was settled, and they left the

the whole time, his mind a whirl of confusion

Griffin's attitude towards him today. And what was with her

would marry her in a

old man disagreed,

thought, he saw Vivienne, Percival, and Anna enter the

to Vivienne. "Did she

him

you guys a hard time?" Leopold

Leopold rushed on. "I really didn't do anything to her. I kissed her once when 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

off

Percival looked at him as if

were full of undisguised

head in confusion, Leopold turned to Anna.

measured look before slowly saying, "Griffin did make a

to marry me, right? Impossible!" Leopold

massaged her temples. "Griffin's condition is that you must be utterly out of sight during the research. You can't even deliver documents. To put it bluntly, you need to disappear from our lives for