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 expert,

that elusive new bomb making the rounds

Vivienne nodded. "Yes."

Griffin and added, "You're

turning it over in her hands. "Of course

Vivienne

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

the paper; indeed, the content

come across this?" Vivienne asked

with you on this, but I have one condition, a non-negotiable. Agree

did not deny it. "That's

slyly. "I

was taken aback. "I haven't

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

he would have said, "Vivienne, did you

her condition. Then they quickly moved on

at Griffin's house, the partnership was settled,

the car the whole time, his mind a whirl

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

he would marry her in a heartbeat

disagreed, why take it out on

thought, he saw Vivienne, Percival, and Anna enter

turned to Vivienne. "Did

him

it was not that simple, "Did she make some outrageous demand? Did she give you guys a hard time?" Leopold pressed his

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

rattled off his

Percival looked at him as if he

were full of undisguised

in confusion, Leopold turned

measured look before slowly saying,

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

"Griffin's condition is that you must be utterly out of sight during the research. You can't even deliver documents. To put