The Million-Dollar Heart

As the quartet happily indulged in a cozy fondue dinner, Leopold brought over the documents from headquarters.

Peering through the empty doorway, Leopold hesitated, unsure whether to enter.

He texted Anna: [Where are you guys?]

Anna, who had not quite finished chewing her lamb, hit the voice message button, "On a mission, gotta stick to Ms. Vivienne like glue." Vivienne said, "Just drop the stuff off, and don't be a nuisance. You mess up the deal, I'll break your legs."

Percival added his own threat, "I'll dislocate your arm."

Thomas kept it simple, "Good luck, man!"

Listening to the sounds of bubbling fondue, fizzing sodas, and the stubborn mastication of lamb, Leopold was in disbelief.

Was this really a mission?

This was sheer torture!

But he had no choice; he had to deliver the documents quickly.

Griffin had already sent a reminder in the Little Bombs group chat - a special group Vivienne had created for convenience. With no other option, Leopold donned a mask and hat, covering himself completely, and entered Griffin's home.

The evening was setting in, and Griffin had only a desk lamp on, leaving the main lights off.

Three different-colored pens lay strewn across documents, each marking various annotations. Leopold cleared his throat gently, but Griffin showed no reaction.

He moved closer and tapped Griffin's head with the documents, "Hey, the papers..."

"Ah!"

Bam!

Stars danced before Leopold's eyes as he staggered backward and collapsed to the floor.

came to, or more accurately, when he could finally open his left

awake, she nonchalantly remarked, "Are you nuts? Sneaking up behind people all in black with a

who's nuts! Didn't you say you didn't

burst out laughing. "Since when did you start following orders so

the energy to argue. I've delivered

fast," Griffin pointed outside, "It's pouring rain, and the cops towed your

"Wait, what? Why would

blocking traffic," Griffin said as if it were the most obvious thing

grinding his teeth, "Couldn't you, just maybe, help me out and move the

smirked. "Sorry, my garage

finally settling on the

if

rumble. He tapped

Griffin gestured toward the fridge, "Help

but instant noodles and pre-made sandwiches inside, alongside cans of

ask, "Is this what you usually

"Just me here, so I make

felt a

he noticed Griffin seemed much thinner than he

be on a

Why not keep some veggies or some meat in the house? This..." He turned to find Griffin with headphones on, ignoring

floor under

the only sausage left from the fridge into Griffin's noodle cup, then placed

on the couch, wolfing down the nutritionally

was still engrossed in her research. Bored out

the carpet, leaning against the couch, blue pen still clutched in hand,

instant noodles

"You're working too

and squatted beside her, staring at her with unknown thoughts in his mind. Suddenly, Griffin's head dropped, and Leopold caught it as quickly as possible. His face was a little

he lifted her into a more comfortable position on the

untouched instant noodles, he tossed it aside, grabbed Griffin's car keys, and