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?"

Not a word spoken, not a drop

about to ask further when another

named

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

makeshift bed assembled from tables, his face and lips unnaturally pale,

silver needle, sealing several of his major points. She had

Vivienne and Percival sitting nearby, a flicker

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

was clear to her that Colin wasn't after

someone he couldn't leave behind; otherwise, he wouldn't have hesitated to bring down the entire

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

want to

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

to die. The

shook his head, "It's

at first, even

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

lineage. He practiced forbidden arts at

and your father

as death,

desperate to leave the Wright

can extend your life by a year or two. I'll need to research to find a proper

Vivienne was about to leave, Colin

She turned back, "Yes?"

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

in that lab

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