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

ask further when another person

man named Colin

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

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

needle, sealing several of his major points. She had no

awoke, catching sight of Vivienne and Percival sitting nearby, a flicker of

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

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

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

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

an eyebrow, "You want to entrust Winston

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

bluntly informed him, "You're not going to die. The poison in you

shook his head, "It's no

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

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

lineage. He practiced forbidden

your father are

his fist, pale as death, "So it was him all

father was desperate to leave the Wright family... a

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

to leave,

She turned back, "Yes?"

with Abigail to uncover the secrets

in that

of everything Alyssa was up to