The Million-Dollar Heart

The eyes of the four people pinned Leopold down like he was under an X-ray, seeing right through him.

Feeling guilty, he stuttered, "Um, I..."

"Spit it out, and if you misspeak, I'll break your legs!" Douglas roared, sending shivers down Leopold's already trembling spine.

Stammering, Leopold recounted the events of the day before yesterday in a rushed manner.

Concerned Vivienne might not grasp the whole story, he emphasized, "Vivienne, I swear I didn't say anything. But Griffin, she just stopped in her tracks, didn't even let me in the house, and called off the engagement."

Vivienne listened, baffled but knowing Griffin well, she asked directly, "Do you not want to marry her, or do you not love her?"

Caught off guard by Vivienne's sudden question, Leopold was taken aback, despite the seriousness in her tone.

Faced with the interrogation from the four, he felt an odd sense of déjà vu but compelled by Vivienne's authoritative tone, he managed to say, "I...I like her, Vivienne, you know that..."

"Then why hesitate?" Vivienne cut him off.

"Huh?" Leopold was confused. "Hesitate about what?"

Vivienne was speechless.

Percival thought about smacking Leopold himself, wondering if his head was just for show.

That's why they called him Husky, and it was fitting.

"When Griffin asked you to formally propose at the Martinez estate, why did you hesitate?" Vivienne pressed.

Leopold's face flushed, mumbling, "Isn't it too soon?"

Kellan threw a cup in frustration, "Too soon? That girl from the Martinez family has been head over heels for you for nearly twenty years, and you've been clueless, acting like you don't know. If your eyes don't work, might as well throw them away."

Douglas quickly calmed his father, "Dad, don't get worked up over this fool; it's not worth your health."

Leopold wondered, wasn't he the beloved youngest son of the Sterling family anymore?

assuring him they

to fetch his blood pressure medication, fearing he'd drop dead from anger

over," the butler announced, entering

really

package from the butler, the Sterling family patriarch's face

seeing the package might have darkened the day for the

father's grim expression, Leopold swallowed hard and stepped back, "Dad, we can talk this

the package on the table, picking up a riding crop, "As long

"Ah!"

the package then handed it to

narrowed upon seeing its

this

big or lose everything." "Choosing this moment to send it, she's clearly made up her mind," Vivienne said, setting down

where are you going?

"Chill out.

"What invitation?"

seemed unfazed. He followed

gold-embossed red lettering hurt his

invitation? To

open it fully, tossing it aside and turning away, his eyes reddening, "I don't believe

had been less than two days.

clenched his fists,

called after him, his

need to confront the Martinez family

you doing

reached us, it means they're ready for everything. Going there now would only embarrass yourself and potentially ruin their wedding, wouldn't it?" Leopold

you for so many years. If she truly chose someone else, you have no

It seemed Griffin sensed his hesitation

was either fiercely claiming she would marry

could she marry someone

just hesitated for a few seconds,