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

man named

Percival, "Mr. Wolf, keep an eye on things here. I'll check

a makeshift bed assembled from tables, his face and

several of his major points. She had no interest

catching sight of Vivienne and Percival sitting nearby, a flicker of

sitting across from him, met his gaze briefly, "Let's

it was clear to her that Colin wasn't after

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

like

raised an eyebrow, "You want to entrust Winston

weak smile, "You guessed

"You're not going to die.

his head, "It's no

harmless at first, even undiagnosable

pondered for a

before revealing, "Declan, your

actually from

but a

elife?

forbidden

and your

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

wonder my father was desperate to leave the Wright family...

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

leave, Colin called out, "Miss

She turned back, "Yes?"

teamed up with Abigail to uncover the secrets Grandpa left behind. I

in that

of everything Alyssa was up to She wasn't exactly thriving under Abigail's