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?"

"Since he was brought in. Not a word spoken, not a drop of

about to ask further when another person approached to

man named Colin has

inside, she signaled to Percival, "Mr. Wolf, keep an eye on things here.

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

a silver needle, sealing several of his major points. She had no interest in saving those who sought

Percival sitting nearby, a

across from him, met his gaze briefly, "Let's

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

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

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

"You want to entrust

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

to

his head, "It's no

seems harmless at first, even undiagnosable as poisoning, but by thirty, it's terminal. Death is the only

grandfather, wasn't actually from the Wright family but

lineage. He practiced forbidden arts at the

and your

death, "So

wonder my father was desperate to leave the Wright family... a devil, stirring

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

about to leave, Colin called out, "Miss

She turned back, "Yes?"

"I initially teamed up with Abigail to uncover the secrets Grandpa left behind. I knew her intentions

stuff in

of everything Alyssa