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

named

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

another room, Colin lay on a makeshift bed assembled from tables, his face and

acupuncture with a silver needle, sealing several of his major points. She had no interest in saving those who sought

catching sight of Vivienne and Percival sitting nearby,

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

with the Wright family, it was clear to her that Colin wasn't after their wealth but wished for mutual

couldn't leave behind; otherwise, he wouldn't have hesitated to bring down

up, said, "I'd like

want

guard, managed a weak smile, "You

bluntly informed him, "You're not going to die. The poison in you

his head,

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

for

before revealing, "Declan, your

actually from

family but a

elife?

lineage. He practiced forbidden arts at the expense

and your father are

as death,

wonder my father was desperate to leave the

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

was about to leave, Colin called out, "Miss

She turned back, "Yes?"

teamed up with Abigail to uncover the secrets

stuff in that

Alyssa was up to She