The Million-Dollar Heart

Click.

The moment the phone call ended, Godfrey's front door swung open again.

Vivienne glanced down at the huddled Martinez family by the doorway; her lips pursed into a slight smile. "Mr. Martinez, such formalities are hardly necessary."

"Everybody up, now!"

Stellan's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as he glared at Leopold, sprawled out behind him.

A cluster of people awkwardly rose to their feet, their faces painted with awkwardness. "Uh, Ms. Hawthorn, we're really grateful for your help. Please, stay for dinner to thank you for taking care of my father."

Audrey, lounging on the sofa, glanced over and snorted disdainfully, then looked away, indifferent to whether Godfrey lived or died.

"Stellan, aren't you even gonna ask?" But she couldn't stand to see the Martinez family have it easy. "What if Ms. Hawthorn's treatment kills Dad?"

Griffin's retort was sharper, "Because we're not blind, we can see with our own eyes. Unlike you, sitting there like a frog in a well!"

As soon as Vivienne entered the room, she used her silver needles to stabilize Godfrey, halting his convulsions. The rest of her methods were a mystery to them.

But through the open door, they could see Godfrey's color improving under Vivienne's care. Clearly, her treatment was working.

Ignoring Audrey's sour expression, Griffin cuddled up to Vivienne. "You're amazing, Vivienne. You're my hero!"

Leopold beamed with pride at the compliments directed at Vivienne, more pleased than if they were for himself. "Of course, you've seen who Vivienne is with, right? Let me tell you, when it comes to medicine, there's no one better than her."

Remember, you're paying for the

eyes, "Considering I'm your youngest junior, maybe we can

smiled subtly. "Remember to

kind of joke was this? Mr. Wolf's car was basically hers, too. The car was barely a day old when Leopold's impromptu stunt left a glaring scratch on it! God only knows the murderous rage she

out of the woods yet. He'll need a couple more treatments. This toxin is a new one, and we might need to find an antidote to

familiar with this," Stellan said, puzzled by

same

she thought the attack was solely targeting her

the shadows while she stood in the light. This adversary was

we'll be taking our leave," Vivienne said, preparing to

paused. "Mr. Martinez, if you're confused, maybe look into the ancient warrior lineages. See if there's a family known for using poison derived from insects. That's where this toxin comes from.

narrowed at her words. "You're saying my father was poisoned with that

that particular family, and Stellan seemed

Audrey, silent on the sofa. "Lancelot, let's not jump to conclusions without

father, and I will investigate thoroughly. However, if he has another

nonchalant wave, she said, "It's no trouble at all. Now, if

"Huh?"

You wrecked Vivienne

winced. "I'll take them, I'll take them. But why hit me? I only scratched Vivienne's car because of you! Partly your fault, too!" Griffin clung to Vivienne. "She didn't ask me to pay for it. You were driving; you pay up. Surely, you're going to say you can't even afford that much,

"Who said I can't?"

pride can't be challenged, especially not in

spirit flared up. "Of course, I can afford it! It's just one car! Even if I