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?"

Not a word spoken, not a drop of water

ask further when another person approached

man named Colin has just

signaled to Percival, "Mr. Wolf, keep an eye on things here.

a makeshift bed assembled from tables, his

applied acupuncture with a silver needle, sealing several of his major

of Vivienne and Percival sitting nearby, a flicker of understanding

him, met his gaze briefly, "Let's

it was clear to her that Colin wasn't

someone he couldn't leave behind; otherwise, he wouldn't have hesitated to bring down the

like to

an eyebrow, "You want to entrust Winston

managed a weak smile, "You

not going to die. The poison in

shook his head, "It's no

even undiagnosable as poisoning, but by thirty, it's

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

ancient warrior lineage. He practiced forbidden arts at

your father

clenched his fist, pale as death,

was desperate to leave the

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

Vivienne was about to leave, Colin called out, "Miss

She turned back, "Yes?"

spoke up slowly, "I initially teamed up with Abigail to uncover the secrets Grandpa left behind. I knew her intentions weren't

stuff in

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