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 drop of water

to ask further when another person approached to

that man named

man inside, she signaled to Percival, "Mr. Wolf, keep an eye on things here. I'll check on the other

room, Colin lay on a makeshift bed assembled from tables, his face and lips unnaturally pale, even

quickly applied acupuncture with a silver needle, sealing several of his major points. She had

catching sight of Vivienne and Percival sitting nearby,

gaze briefly, "Let's talk

her

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

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

raised an eyebrow, "You want to

weak smile, "You

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

shook his head, "It's no

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

a moment before revealing, "Declan, your grandfather,

lineage. He practiced forbidden arts at the

your father are

pale as death, "So

to leave the Wright family...

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

was about to leave, Colin

She turned back, "Yes?"

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

in

fully aware of everything Alyssa was