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?"

was brought in. Not a word spoken, not a drop of water

further when

that man named Colin has

"Mr. Wolf, keep an eye on things here.

another room, Colin 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

sight of Vivienne and Percival sitting nearby,

his gaze briefly,

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

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

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

"You want to

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

to die. The poison in

head, "It's no

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

pondered for a moment before revealing, "Declan, your grandfather, wasn't

practiced forbidden arts at the expense of his

and your father are

fist, pale as death, "So

the Wright family... a devil, stirring chaos within

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

Vivienne was about to leave, Colin called

She turned back, "Yes?"

up slowly, "I initially teamed up with Abigail to uncover the secrets

stuff in that

aware of everything Alyssa