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?"

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

to ask further when

that man named Colin

at the indifferent old man inside, she signaled to Percival, "Mr. Wolf, keep an eye on

his face and lips unnaturally pale, even showing traces of blood at

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

Vivienne and Percival sitting nearby, a flicker of understanding crossed his

him, met his gaze briefly,

her that Colin wasn't

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

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

"You want to

smile, "You

"You're not going to die. The poison in you

head,

harmless at first, even undiagnosable as poisoning, but

grandfather, wasn't actually from the Wright family but a descendant

ancient warrior lineage. He practiced forbidden arts at the expense

your

pale as death, "So

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

cure you but can extend your life by a year or two.

leave,

She turned back, "Yes?"

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

stuff in that lab

aware of everything Alyssa was up to She