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?"

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

ask further

that man named Colin has just

Percival, "Mr. Wolf, keep an eye on

another room, Colin lay on a makeshift bed assembled from tables, his face and lips unnaturally pale, even showing traces of blood at

acupuncture with a silver needle, sealing several of his major points. She had no

of Vivienne and Percival sitting nearby, a flicker

sitting across from him, met his gaze briefly, "Let's

clear to her that Colin wasn't after their wealth

couldn't leave behind; otherwise, he

like to ask Miss

an eyebrow, "You want to

"You guessed it.

going to die. The poison in you is

head,

first, even undiagnosable as poisoning, but by thirty, it's terminal.

for a moment before revealing, "Declan, your grandfather, wasn't actually from the Wright family

lineage. He practiced forbidden arts at

and your father

clenched his fist, pale as death,

father was desperate to leave the

Colin with a pill, "This won't cure you but can extend your life by a

about to leave,

She turned back, "Yes?"

slowly, "I initially teamed up with Abigail to uncover the secrets Grandpa left behind. I

stuff in

Alyssa was