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?"

in. Not

ask further when

that man named

signaled to Percival, "Mr. Wolf, keep an eye

a makeshift bed assembled from tables, his face and lips unnaturally pale, even showing traces of blood at

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

awoke, catching sight of Vivienne and Percival sitting nearby, a flicker of

met his gaze briefly, "Let's talk about

Wright family, it was clear to her that

behind; otherwise, he wouldn't have hesitated

like to

"You want

a weak smile, "You guessed it. He's all I

not going to die. The poison

head, "It's no

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

for a moment before revealing, "Declan, your grandfather, wasn't actually

lineage. He practiced forbidden arts at the expense of his

and your father

death, "So it

father was desperate to leave the

you but can extend your life by a year or

leave,

She turned back, "Yes?"

with Abigail to uncover the secrets Grandpa left behind. I knew

in that lab

of everything Alyssa was up