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?"

he was brought in. Not a word spoken,

ask further when

that man named

Wolf, keep an eye on things here.

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

needle, sealing several

sight of Vivienne and Percival sitting nearby, a flicker of understanding

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

was clear to her that

he couldn't leave behind; otherwise, he

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

eyebrow, "You want to

guard, managed a weak smile, "You guessed it.

going to die. The poison in you is

shook his head, "It's

first, even undiagnosable as poisoning, but by

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

ancient warrior lineage. He practiced forbidden arts at the

your

clenched his fist, pale as death, "So it

to leave the

Colin with a pill, "This won't cure you but can extend your life by a year or two. I'll need to research to find a proper

leave,

She turned back, "Yes?"

spoke up slowly, "I initially teamed up with Abigail to uncover the secrets Grandpa left behind. I

stuff in that

everything Alyssa