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."

raised an eyebrow. "Sucking up won't help you. Remember, you're paying for the scratch you

Leopold pleaded with puppy-dog eyes, "Considering I'm your youngest junior, maybe we can forget

subtly. "Remember to pay

day old when Leopold's impromptu stunt left a glaring scratch on it! God only knows the murderous rage she felt when stepping out of the BBQ joint and

ado, Vivienne took Percival's arm and addressed Stellan. "Godfrey's not out of the woods yet. He'll need a couple more treatments. This toxin is a new one, and we might need to find

familiar with this," Stellan

from the truth. "My mother encountered the same

attack was solely targeting

while she stood in the light. This adversary

we'll be taking our leave,"

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.

saying my father was poisoned with that stuff? Stellan, it could

particular family,

on the sofa.

Hawthorn, rest assured. This concerns my father, and I will investigate thoroughly. However, if he has another

and with a nonchalant wave, she said, "It's no

"Huh?"

wrecked Vivienne and Percival's car; now

Vivienne's car because of you! Partly your fault, too!" Griffin clung to Vivienne. "She didn't ask me to pay for it. You

"Who said I can't?"

challenged, especially not in matters of finance and

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