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."

to ask further when another person

that man named

old man inside, she signaled to Percival, "Mr. Wolf, keep an eye on things here. I'll check on the

on a makeshift bed assembled from tables, his face and lips

a silver needle, sealing several of his major points.

sight of Vivienne and Percival sitting nearby,

his gaze briefly, "Let's talk about

to her

otherwise, he wouldn't have hesitated to

"I'd like to ask Miss Hawthorn for a

want to entrust Winston

weak smile, "You guessed it. He's all I

going to die. The

shook his head,

symptoms are identical to my father's. It seems harmless at first, even undiagnosable as poisoning, but by thirty, it's

for

before revealing, "Declan, your

actually

family but

elife?

warrior lineage. He practiced forbidden arts at the expense of his

and your father are

his fist, pale as death, "So it

the Wright family...

with a pill, "This won't cure you but can extend your life by a year or

leave, Colin called out, "Miss

She turned back, "Yes?"

Abigail to uncover the secrets Grandpa left behind. I knew

stuff in

was fully aware of everything Alyssa was up