The Million-Dollar Heart

Finnian was skeptical, "It's an interesting theory, but not very practical."

"No magic or trick has ever allowed anyone to live that long, and even if it did, maintaining youthfulness without any signs of aging on the face or body? Highly unlikely."

Vivienne was about to probe further when Kellan Reed and Geoffrey, each with a drink in hand, appeared behind her. "Finnian, a toast to you on this fine day. The kids' wedding wouldn't be happening without your help!" Finnian's eyes lost their sharpness as he turned around with a smile, "Oh, you're making too much of it. They're practically family."

That phrase alone brought the two families closer together.

Kellan shot Geoffrey a smug look.

Just moments ago, weren't they at each other's throats?

Who else would think of gifting a bomb as a dowry? On the wedding day, would the Martinez family bring in a fighter jet to display in their backyard?

It seemed to highlight the Martinez family's contributions to national defense.

Over the years, the Reed family had donated generously to the nation, especially in scientific research. Kellan's son had been donating a third of his income annually, following a long-standing family tradition. Their contributions were just directed differently, but both families were equally patriotic.

So, the Martinez family's weapon research was considered a contribution, but his money wasn't?

Without funding, what would they research with?

Geoffrey, not one to back down, stepped forward with his drink, "Master, the wedding is set for next spring, but there seems to be an extra month according to the lunar calendar. What do you make of it?" The three old foxes gathered, each with their own agenda.

Finnian knew he was walking into a trap.

It was Leopold's wedding date he had chosen; he was well aware of any potentially inauspicious timings.

But then he remembered the precious box he had received from the Martinez family.

Could he pretend to be drunk now?

Vivienne, listening on the side, wanted to laugh.

Caught in a bind because he had accepted a gift, Finnian had to think fast. "Well... getting married during an extra lunar month does have its superstitions. It's best to avoid it if possible, otherwise, the date must be pushed back." Geoffrey shrugged, "Then it looks like we'll have to delay it."

his glass, "No, no, the date was meticulously chosen. We can't

this is what the master has calculated, not

your family will be happy, but what about me? My

was at a loss for words, turning to Finnian in desperation, "Master, is there no way around

stroked his beard, "There is... but it's a

as long as it doesn't delay the

Make a set of clothes and shoes for each member of the bride's family.

"Make clothes?"

frowned, "Does buying them not

"Questioning the master's words? Seems like

sizes. Then find someone over eighty to cut

victory, ready for

counting exactly eight people. He immediately brightened, "Master, I presume these are your other disciples, all looking quite exceptional. And to think you consider our Leopold your favorite, I'm truly

Who said that?

with poor eyesight, one couldn't make such a

Percival, each

always the

"Ah, this wine's

Vivienne, "..."

any longer. "Mr. Wolf, I'm full. Shall we

Percival smiled, "Sure."

saying goodbye to Kellan and Geoffrey, they

and Geoffrey, realizing the awkwardness, quickly made their excuses and left, their actions mirror images

to take good care of Finnian, lest he "drunkedly"

Vivienne

acting. Who's

Vivienne, we've been with you the longest. How did Leopold become the

over us, even with his

this up today, or

breath outside, received a

voice, frantic and unusual for her calm demeanor, came through, "Vivienne, am I seeing things? This

brow furrowed. It was rare for Anna to lose