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

further when

named Colin has just

"Mr. Wolf, keep an

from tables, his face and lips unnaturally pale, even

checked his pulse and quickly applied acupuncture with a silver needle, sealing several

and Percival sitting nearby,

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

clear to her that Colin wasn't after their wealth but

he wouldn't have hesitated to bring down the entire Wright

to sit up, said, "I'd like

raised an eyebrow, "You want to entrust Winston

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

going to

shook his head,

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

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

practiced forbidden

your

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

desperate to leave the Wright family... a devil,

you but can extend your life by a year or two. I'll need

leave, Colin called

She turned back, "Yes?"

with Abigail to uncover the secrets Grandpa left behind. I knew her

stuff in that lab

was fully aware of everything Alyssa was up to