The Million-Dollar Heart

When Leopold called again, Vivienne hit the reject button without a second thought.

Leopold had his merits, but subtlety wasn't one of them.

Forget his ancient warrior lineage for a moment; these days, with the Martinez family sheltered by the nation and holding the reins of weapon manufacturing, and Griffin being the sole heiress to the Martinez empire...

Marrying into that family would be a jackpot, even more so for Leopold. Yet, he hesitated. No wonder his nickname was "Husky." It was spot-on.

Percival, noticing her pout, chuckled and asked, "Still upset?"

Vivienne sighed, "What does Griffin even see in him?"

Percival weighed in objectively, "Well, Leopold might be a bit rough around the edges emotionally, but professionally? He's unmatched by his peers, perhaps even better."

After all the battles he'd charged into and missions he'd flawlessly executed, Percival, as a long-time friend and superior, had never doubted Leopold's capabilities.

Vivienne's lips curved into a smile, "Us folks from Emerald Mountain are never mediocre. Trust me, Griffin's making a smart bet this time."

If Leopold had even a breath left in him, he'd ensure he brought her back!

Percival raised an eyebrow, "That certain, huh?"

Vivienne nodded, her protective instincts kicking in, "Of course, I know my brother. He's no fool, contrary to what others might think."

Percival just smiled, letting the conversation drop.

Nearing noon, they finally headed towards their destination.

In a specially designed room, an elderly man sat against the light, legs crossed in a meditation pose, revealing only his back.

Vivienne paused at the door, turning to the person beside her, "How long has he been like this?"

softly, "Since he was brought in. Not a word spoken, not a

scoffed, about to ask further when another

named Colin has

Wolf, keep an eye on things here. I'll check on

assembled from tables, his face and lips unnaturally pale,

with a silver needle, sealing several

sight of Vivienne and Percival sitting nearby, a flicker of understanding

him, met his gaze briefly,

clear to her that Colin wasn't after their wealth but wished

he wouldn't have hesitated to

struggling to sit up, said, "I'd like

eyebrow, "You want to entrust Winston to

guard, managed a weak smile, "You

going to die. The poison in

head, "It's no

seems harmless at first, even undiagnosable as poisoning,

revealing, "Declan, your grandfather, wasn't actually from the

ancient warrior lineage. He practiced forbidden arts

your

death, "So it was

leave the Wright family... a devil,

left Colin with a pill, "This won't cure you but can extend your life by a year or two. I'll need to research to find

Vivienne was about to leave, Colin called out,

She turned back, "Yes?"

Abigail to uncover

stuff in that lab

everything Alyssa was up to She