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.

accurately, when he could finally open his left eye again, all the lights in Griffin's place

documents, and upon seeing Leopold awake, she nonchalantly remarked, "Are you nuts? Sneaking up behind people all in black with a mask? How do you expect

"You're the one who's nuts! Didn't you say you didn't

laughing. "Since when did

don't have the energy to argue. I've delivered

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

was dumbfounded, "Wait, what? Why would they tow

if it were

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

"Sorry, my garage isn't for storing

finally settling on the couch

her work as if he was not even

Leopold's stomach began to rumble. He tapped the desk,

back, Griffin gestured toward the fridge, "Help

pre-made sandwiches inside, alongside

help but ask, "Is this what you usually

me

Leopold felt a sudden

Griffin seemed much thinner than he

course, she would be on a

of noodles, mumbling, "For a young woman, you could take better care of yourself. Why not keep

out on the floor under the light,

licked his lips and silently added the only sausage left from the fridge into Griffin's noodle cup, then placed it quietly

the couch, wolfing down

was still engrossed in her research. Bored out of his mind, Leopold eventually dozed

found Griffin asleep on the carpet, leaning against the couch, blue pen still clutched in hand, the other two pens precariously perched in her

noodles were

sighed. "You're working

unknown thoughts in his mind. Suddenly, Griffin's head dropped,

few minutes of silence, he lifted her into a more comfortable position on the

the untouched instant noodles, he tossed