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?"

brought in. Not a word spoken, not a drop

scoffed, about to ask further

that man named

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

lay on a makeshift bed assembled from tables, his face and

silver needle, sealing several of his major points. She had no interest in saving those who

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

across from him, met his gaze briefly, "Let's talk about the poison

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

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

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

eyebrow, "You want to entrust Winston

smile, "You guessed it. He's

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

head, "It's no

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

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

He practiced forbidden arts

and your father

death, "So it was him

desperate to leave the Wright family...

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

to leave, Colin called

She turned back, "Yes?"

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

in

aware of everything Alyssa was up to She wasn't exactly