The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

When Leopold called again, Vivienne hit the reject button without a second thought.

Leopold had his merits, but subtlety wasn't one of them.

Forget his ancient warrior lineage for a moment; these days, with the Martinez family sheltered by the nation and holding the reins of weapon manufacturing, and Griffin being the sole heiress to the Martinez empire...

Marrying into that family would be a jackpot, even more so for Leopold. Yet, he hesitated. No wonder his nickname was "Husky." It was spot-on.

Percival, noticing her pout, chuckled and asked, "Still upset?"

Vivienne sighed, "What does Griffin even see in him?"

Percival weighed in objectively, "Well, Leopold might be a bit rough around the edges emotionally, but professionally? He's unmatched by his peers, perhaps even better."

After all the battles he'd charged into and missions he'd flawlessly executed, Percival, as a long-time friend and superior, had never doubted Leopold's capabilities.

Vivienne's lips curved into a smile, "Us folks from Emerald Mountain are never mediocre. Trust me, Griffin's making a smart bet this time."

If Leopold had even a breath left in him, he'd ensure he brought her back!

Percival raised an eyebrow, "That certain, huh?"

Vivienne nodded, her protective instincts kicking in, "Of course, I know my brother. He's no fool, contrary to what others might think."

Percival just smiled, letting the conversation drop.

Nearing noon, they finally headed towards their destination.

In a specially designed room, an elderly man sat against the light, legs crossed in a meditation pose, revealing only his back.

Vivienne paused at the door, turning to the person beside her, "How long has he been like this?"

Draven replied softly, "Since he was brought in. Not a word spoken, not a drop of water drunk."

about to ask further when another

named

"Mr. Wolf, keep an eye on things here.

a makeshift bed assembled from tables, his face and lips unnaturally pale, even showing traces of

several of his major points.

Percival sitting nearby, a flicker of understanding crossed his

across from him, met his gaze briefly, "Let's talk about the

Wright family, it was clear to her that

behind; otherwise, he wouldn't have hesitated to bring down the entire Wright

up, said, "I'd like to ask Miss Hawthorn for a

want to entrust Winston

a weak smile, "You guessed it.

him, "You're not going to die. The poison

shook his head, "It's

identical to my father's. It seems harmless at first, even undiagnosable as poisoning,

pondered for

before revealing, "Declan, your

actually

family but

elife?

He practiced forbidden arts at

your father

clenched his fist, pale as death, "So it was him

father was desperate to leave the Wright family... a devil, stirring chaos within

left Colin with a pill, "This won't cure you but can extend your life by a year or two. I'll need to research to

to leave, Colin called out, "Miss

She turned back, "Yes?"

up slowly, "I initially teamed up with Abigail to uncover the secrets Grandpa left behind. I knew

stuff in

of everything Alyssa was