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."

scoffed, about to ask further when

man named Colin

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

lay on a makeshift bed assembled from tables, his

with a silver needle, sealing several of his major points. She had no interest

Colin awoke, catching sight of Vivienne and Percival sitting nearby, a flicker of understanding crossed his

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

clear to her that Colin wasn't after their wealth but wished for mutual

he wouldn't have hesitated to bring down the entire

sit up, said, "I'd like to ask Miss

raised an eyebrow, "You want to

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

not going to die. The

shook his head, "It's

seems harmless at first, even undiagnosable as poisoning, but by thirty, it's terminal. Death is

for a

before revealing, "Declan, your

actually from

family but a

elife?

practiced forbidden arts

your

as death, "So it was him

wonder my father was desperate to leave the Wright family... a devil,

extend your life by a year or two. I'll need to

to leave, Colin

She turned back, "Yes?"

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

in

I was fully aware of everything Alyssa was up to She wasn't