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

Vivienne nodded. "Yes."

and added,

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

Vivienne

confirmed, pulling out an unfinished paper. "This was my concept three years ago. But then my computer got hacked,

the paper; indeed, the content

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 in Vivienne's eyes. "Is

did not deny

smiled slyly. "I

taken aback. "I haven't even

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

heard this from outside, he would have said,

and stated her condition. Then they quickly moved on to discuss their

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

the car the whole time, his mind a whirl of confusion

him today.

would marry

if the old man disagreed, why take

Vivienne, Percival,

to Vivienne. "Did

glanced at him and

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?

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 agree. Vivienne, I do want to figure out that bomb, but

rattled off his

and Percival looked at him as if he was an

were full

head in confusion, Leopold turned to Anna. "Anna,

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

marry me, right?

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 a while."