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 spoken, not a drop of water

about to ask further when

named

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

tables, his face and lips

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

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

across from him, met his gaze

family, it was clear to her that Colin wasn't

he wouldn't

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

eyebrow, "You want to

guard, managed a weak smile, "You guessed

not going to die. The poison in you

head,

seems harmless at first, even undiagnosable as poisoning, but by thirty, it's

pondered for a moment before revealing, "Declan, your grandfather, wasn't actually from

warrior lineage. He practiced forbidden arts at the

and your father are

fist, pale as death, "So it was

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

your life by a year or two. I'll need to research to find a

about to leave, Colin called

She turned back, "Yes?"

up with Abigail to uncover the secrets Grandpa left behind. I

in that lab

and I was fully aware of everything Alyssa was up