The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

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?

Percival stepped in, asking Kellan to rest, assuring him they could handle Leopold and make him understand.

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

a package over," the butler announced, entering with a

really

he took the package from the

the old man had already gone to the backyard; seeing the

grim expression, Leopold swallowed hard and stepped back,

picking up a riding crop, "As long as it eases my

"Ah!"

at the package then handed it

narrowed upon seeing its

playing for keeps this time? An

his brows furrowed, "He's not an idiot. With Griffin's move, it's either win big or lose everything." "Choosing this moment to send it, she's clearly made up

panicked, "Vivienne, Percival, where are you going? What

out. They've sent an invitation; why

"What invitation?"

seemed unfazed. He followed Vivienne, dumping the package's contents on the

red lettering hurt

invitation? To

even

and turning away, his eyes reddening, "I don't believe it. How

been less than two days. What was she

clenched his fists,

Douglas called after him, his voice

need to confront the Martinez family for

you

if the invitation reached us, it means they're ready for everything. Going there now would only embarrass yourself and

many years. If she truly chose someone else, you have no right to question her." Leopold's emotions were

hesitated outside the Martinez estate. It seemed Griffin sensed his

either fiercely claiming she would

could she marry someone else at

just hesitated for a few seconds, thinking

and Percival exchanged a

was the first to

"Leopold, Uncle's right,