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

to ask further when another person

named

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

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

checked his pulse and quickly applied acupuncture with a silver needle, sealing several of his major points. She had no interest in saving those who

awoke, catching sight of Vivienne and Percival sitting

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

to her that Colin wasn't

couldn't leave behind; otherwise, he wouldn't

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

eyebrow, "You want to entrust Winston to

"You guessed it. He's all I worry about

to

head,

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

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

ancient warrior lineage. He practiced forbidden arts at the

your father

his fist, pale as death, "So it

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

life by a year or two. I'll need

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

stuff in that lab

Alyssa was up to She wasn't exactly thriving