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?"

softly, "Since he was brought in. Not a word spoken, not

to ask further

that man named

Wolf, keep an eye on things here. I'll

another room, Colin lay on a makeshift bed assembled from tables, his face

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

sight of Vivienne and Percival sitting nearby, a flicker

met his gaze briefly, "Let's talk about the poison in

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

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

up, said, "I'd like to ask

want to

off guard, managed a weak smile, "You guessed it. He's all I worry

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

his head, "It's no

my father's. It seems harmless at first, even undiagnosable as poisoning, but by thirty, it's terminal. Death

"Declan, your grandfather, wasn't actually from the Wright family

forbidden arts at the expense

your father are

fist, pale as death, "So it was him

was desperate to leave the Wright family... a devil, stirring chaos

left Colin with a pill, "This won't cure you but can extend your life by a year or two. I'll

about to leave, Colin called out,

She turned back, "Yes?"

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

stuff in that

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