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?"

in. Not a word spoken, not a drop of

further when another person approached

man named Colin

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

Colin lay on a makeshift bed assembled from tables, his face and lips unnaturally pale, even showing traces

quickly applied acupuncture with a silver needle, sealing several of his major points. She

of Vivienne and Percival sitting nearby,

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

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

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

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

an eyebrow, "You want to entrust Winston to

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

going to die. The poison in you

head,

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

"Declan, your grandfather, wasn't actually from the Wright

warrior lineage. He practiced forbidden

and your

fist, pale as death,

desperate to leave the Wright family... a devil, stirring chaos within

"This won't cure you but can extend your life by a year or two. I'll need to research

was about to leave, Colin

She turned back, "Yes?"

spoke up slowly, "I initially teamed up with Abigail to uncover the secrets Grandpa left behind. I knew her intentions weren't

stuff in that

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