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,

elusive new bomb making the rounds

Vivienne nodded. "Yes."

Griffin and

closely, turning it over in her hands.

idea?" Vivienne

an unfinished paper. "This was my concept three years ago. But then my computer got hacked, and I noticed this

the paper; indeed, the content matched certain features of the new

you come across this?" Vivienne asked

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

deny

smiled slyly.

taken aback. "I

cut her off,

this from outside, he would have

laughed and stated her condition. Then they

Griffin's house, the partnership was

time, his mind a whirl of confusion and

towards him today. And

said that he would marry her in a heartbeat if his

the old man disagreed, why take it out on

he saw Vivienne, Percival, and

turned to Vivienne. "Did she

at him and

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

and foolish, and it was just on the cheek. I didn't even know what getting married meant. Besides, the old man would

off

him as if

full of undisguised

head in confusion, Leopold turned to Anna. "Anna, what on earth

slowly saying, "Griffin did make a condition,

marry

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