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

to ask further when another person

named Colin

"Mr. Wolf, keep an eye on things here. I'll check on the

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

several of his

Colin awoke, catching sight of Vivienne and Percival sitting nearby, a flicker of understanding crossed his

his gaze briefly, "Let's talk

incident with the Wright family, it was clear to her that Colin wasn't after their wealth but wished for

behind; otherwise, he wouldn't have hesitated to bring down the entire

like to ask Miss Hawthorn for a

an eyebrow, "You want to entrust

"You

to die.

his head,

even

"Declan, your grandfather,

ancient warrior lineage. He practiced forbidden arts

your

death, "So it was him

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

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

to leave,

She turned back, "Yes?"

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

in that

worthless, and I was fully aware of everything Alyssa was up to She wasn't exactly