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

scoffed, about to ask further when another

that man named Colin has

signaled to Percival, "Mr. Wolf,

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

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

and Percival sitting nearby, a flicker of understanding crossed his

gaze briefly, "Let's

was clear to her that

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

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

raised an eyebrow, "You want

"You guessed it.

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

shook his head, "It's no

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

revealing, "Declan, your grandfather, wasn't actually from

forbidden arts at the

and your

fist, pale as death, "So it was

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

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

to leave, Colin

She turned back, "Yes?"

uncover the secrets Grandpa left behind.

stuff in

of everything Alyssa was up to She wasn't exactly thriving under Abigail's