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.

his blood pressure medication, fearing

Martinez family sent a package over," the butler

I told you Griffin wouldn't really leave me. She

he took the package from the butler, the Sterling family

the backyard; seeing the package might have darkened the day for the

stepped back, "Dad,

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

"Ah!"

the package then handed it to

upon seeing its

keeps this time? An

"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

where are you going? What about

"Chill out.

"What invitation?"

feeling the sting of the crop but seemed unfazed. He followed Vivienne, dumping the package's contents on

gold-embossed red lettering hurt

invitation? To

didn't even

it fully, tossing it aside and turning away, his eyes reddening, "I don't believe it. How could Griffin just

than two days.

his

called after

emotionless, replied, "Dad, I need to confront the Martinez family

were you

family; if the invitation 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 stopped in

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

only hesitated outside the Martinez estate. It seemed Griffin sensed his hesitation

Griffin was either fiercely claiming she would marry him

someone else at this

for a few seconds, thinking

Percival

was the first to

"Leopold, Uncle's right,