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.

top-tier weapons enthusiast and expert, she was

elusive new bomb making the rounds on the

Vivienne nodded. "Yes."

and added, "You're familiar with

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

Vivienne was

ago. But then my computer got hacked, and I noticed

the paper; indeed, the content matched certain

come across this?" Vivienne asked

down 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 in Vivienne's eyes. "Is it about

did not deny

smiled slyly.

was taken aback. "I

could finish, Vivienne cut her off,

have said, "Vivienne, did you just sell me

her condition. Then they quickly moved on to discuss

Griffin's house, the partnership was settled, and they left

time, his mind

fathom Griffin's attitude towards him today. And

that he would marry her

the old man disagreed, why take it

thought, he saw Vivienne, Percival, and Anna

turned to Vivienne. "Did she

at him and

Griffin, suspected it was not that simple, "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 agree,

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 agree. Vivienne, I do want to figure

rattled off

looked at him as

full of

confusion, Leopold turned to Anna. "Anna, what on

Leopold a long, measured look before slowly saying, "Griffin did

knew it. She wants to marry me, right? Impossible!" Leopold stated

put it bluntly, you need to disappear from our lives for a while." Leopold nearly bit off his tongue in shock. "What did you just