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

about to ask further when

named Colin

Wolf,

a makeshift bed assembled from tables, his face and lips unnaturally pale, even showing traces of blood

sealing several of his major points.

sight of Vivienne and Percival sitting

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

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

he wouldn't have hesitated to bring

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

an eyebrow, "You want

smile, "You guessed it. He's all

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

shook his head, "It's no

symptoms are identical to my father's. It seems harmless at first, even undiagnosable as poisoning, but

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

forbidden arts at the expense

and your father are

as death,

leave the Wright family...

won't cure you but can extend your life by a year or two. I'll need to research to

to leave, Colin called

She turned back, "Yes?"

"I initially teamed up with Abigail to uncover the

stuff in

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