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

further

that man named Colin has

she signaled to Percival, "Mr. Wolf, keep an eye

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

acupuncture with a silver needle, sealing several of his major points. She had no

awoke, catching sight of Vivienne and Percival sitting

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

was clear to her that Colin wasn't after their wealth but wished for mutual

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

sit up, said, "I'd like to

raised an eyebrow, "You want to

guard, managed a weak smile, "You guessed

"You're not going to die. The

his head, "It's

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

your grandfather, wasn't actually from the Wright family

He practiced forbidden arts at the expense of his

your father

death, "So it was him

father was desperate to leave the Wright

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

about to leave, Colin called out,

She turned back, "Yes?"

to uncover the secrets

in that lab

and I was fully aware of everything Alyssa was up to She wasn't exactly thriving under Abigail's