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?"

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

about to ask further

man named Colin

"Mr. Wolf, keep an

makeshift bed assembled from tables, his

a silver needle, sealing several of his major points. She

sight of Vivienne and Percival sitting nearby, a flicker

across from him, met his gaze briefly, "Let's talk about the poison

with the Wright family, it was clear to her that Colin wasn't after

had someone he couldn't leave behind; otherwise, he wouldn't have hesitated

to sit up, said, "I'd like to ask Miss Hawthorn for a

"You want to

"You

not going to die. The poison

his head,

are identical to my father's. It seems harmless at first, even undiagnosable as poisoning, but by thirty, it's terminal. Death is

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

lineage. He practiced forbidden arts at the expense of

your father are

clenched his fist, pale as death, "So it was him

leave the Wright family... a devil, stirring chaos within

life by a year

leave, Colin

She turned back, "Yes?"

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

in

everything Alyssa