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?"

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

further when another person

that man named

she signaled to Percival, "Mr. Wolf, keep an eye on things here. I'll check on the

tables, his face and lips unnaturally pale, even

a silver needle, sealing several

Percival sitting nearby,

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

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

he wouldn't have hesitated to bring down the entire Wright

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

raised an eyebrow, "You want to entrust Winston to

smile, "You guessed it. He's all I

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

his head, "It's

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

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

forbidden arts at the expense of

your father are

his fist, pale as death, "So it was

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

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

was about to leave, Colin called

She turned back, "Yes?"

Abigail to uncover the secrets Grandpa left behind. I knew her intentions

stuff in that

and I was fully aware of everything Alyssa was up to