The Million-Dollar Heart

Griffin bit her lip, her worry evident in her wide eyes.

No matter how much you prepare, the thing you fear the most always seems to find a way to happen.

"Vivienne, you don't think the guys will take Leopold out back for a rough-up, do you?" she whispered, sneaking over to ask Vivienne.

The only outcome she could imagine was Leopold getting a piece of their minds, quite literally.

Vivienne offered a reassuring smile, "Don't worry about it. They know better than to actually hurt Leopold."

At most, they'll find some other way to vent.

Meanwhile...

Leopold was cornered in an empty parking lot, surrounded by a group that looked less than pleased to see him. Jerry, cracking his knuckles leisurely, led the charge. "Alright, Leopold, spill it. How are we handling this?" With a heavy heart, Leopold glanced at the intimidating setup and then back at the two brothers pinning him down, swallowing hard.

This was a setup if he'd ever seen one.

Accustomed to playing the weaker card, he immediately went for sympathy, "Guys, come on. Today's the christening party for Vivienne's twins. If I show up looking like I've been mugged, what will people think?" Daniel snorted, cutting him off, "You think Vivienne's always going to take your side?"

As if they were invisible in Vivienne's eyes.

Jerry sighed, looking directly at Leopold, "We've been good to you, haven't we?"

Leopold, knowing full well he'd kicked the hornet's nest this time, could only nod in agreement, afraid to utter another word.

Jerry raised an eyebrow, "And how have you repaid our kindness?"

here was Leopold, sneaking around

they supposed

Silence from Leopold.

what, this pit was not one he could talk his

sympathy card, "Jerry, I swear, I wasn't on purpose. It just...

the collar with a threatening tone, questioned, "Becoming godfather

Leopold blinked earnestly, nodding.

swore it was

would have thought

pill, his demeanor icy, "Not coming clean, huh? Good thing I've got a new concoction from the lab. You'll be the

Eric's reputation for being ruthless, whatever he

on the horizon, any mishap

"That's more like it.

pleaded, "I swear, I didn't do anything. I just asked Vivienne if I could be

face darkened, "You're kidding, right? Just asked and she agreed? What, do

fool us with that excuse? Do

too slick. Not honest, huh? Seems we weren't

Larry, do your

the other ready with a handful of peanuts, about to shove them in his mouth. Leopold, allergic to peanuts, could barely stand

and red was not an option. Vivienne and their mentor would

swear on the Sterling family name, I'm telling the truth.

Leopold's fear of his family's wrath, they considered his words

now. If I've lied about anything, do

whispering, "Maybe he didn't have the guts after all. If Vivienne agreed, there must be a reason." "Still, why him? What do we

shut, chimed in, "Guess

earned him a collective