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 a word

scoffed, about to ask further

named

"Mr. Wolf, keep

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

his pulse and quickly applied acupuncture with a silver needle, sealing several of his major points.

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

from him, met his gaze

family, it was clear to her

he wouldn't have

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

"You want to

weak smile, "You guessed

bluntly informed him, "You're not going to die. The poison in

shook his head, "It's

symptoms are identical to my father's. It seems harmless at first, even undiagnosable as

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

practiced forbidden arts at the expense

and your father

clenched his fist, pale as death, "So

wonder my father was desperate to leave the

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

leave, Colin called out, "Miss

She turned back, "Yes?"

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

in that lab

and I was fully aware of everything Alyssa was up to She wasn't exactly thriving under Abigail's