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?"

"Since he was brought in. Not

further when another person approached to

named Colin

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

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

catching sight of Vivienne and Percival sitting

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

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

he wouldn't

to sit up, said, "I'd like to ask

want

caught off guard, managed a weak smile, "You guessed

"You're not going to die.

shook his head, "It's no

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

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

warrior lineage. He practiced forbidden arts at the

your father are

death, "So it was him

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

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

about to leave, Colin

She turned back, "Yes?"

Abigail to uncover the secrets Grandpa left behind. I knew

in that

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