The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

After the photo shoot, Vivienne was left speechless.

Out of the dozen people, she and her mentor, Dawson, stuck out like sore thumbs.

And of course, they had been placed right in the middle.

Like two overly festive "clowns" in a sea of subtlety.

The rest of the group, however, lit up at the sight of the photo, eagerly asking for copies.

Dawson, ever the eccentric, and Vivienne, not much for frivolities, made this gathering a first for their group, Emerald Mountain. This photo was, in a way, their "family portrait." Dawson glanced at the photo now set as his screensaver, nodding in approval, "Leopold, well done, lad. Much appreciated!"

"I'll have to get this printed and hung by my bed. Leopold, you've outdone yourself this time."

Leopold beamed with pride.

Seeing the leftover tear streaks on Leopold's face from the ceremony, Griffin's heart softened. She passed him a tissue under the table, "Here, wipe it off before the others start teasing." Finnian, overhearing, let out a hearty laugh, "Oh, come on, we all know Leopold's strengths. Nothing we haven't seen before."

Leopold's cheeks flushed, "Master, could you not bring up my past blunders today, especially not in front of Griffin!"

Finnian laughed even harder, "Alright, alright."

A student grows, and pride must be preserved.

But as a mentor, Finnian felt certain responsibilities, especially with Leopold being the first among them to get married. He had to share some wisdom.

"Leopold's partner..."

Griffin straightened up, ready to listen, "Yes, Master?"

Finnian nodded in approval, "Don't hesitate to call me if you need. Of all my students, Leopold is the most guileless-naive, to put it bluntly. If he ever gives you trouble, don't hold back. A good scolding or a visit from Vivienne and me will set him straight, ensuring he treats you with the respect you deserve."

in agreement,

joined

have our numbers in Leopold's phone. Any issues, just reach out. If Leopold dares to cross you, he'll have us to answer

Mountain should be a gentleman at heart and a helper at home. If Leopold ever slacks off, just

swallowed hard, silently thanking them for assigning him all household duties even

first time, understanding why Leopold was the way he was. Percival, going a step further while serving Vivienne some food, casually mentioned, "Step out of line, and it's demotion."

was much

wedding, not a mission to Fariana

360-degree warning made him wonder if they remembered

use for the tissues,

the table, she said, "Thank you, Master, Vivienne, and all my brothers-in-law. You might have heard of me; I'm straightforward. I genuinely love Leopold, and chasing him for twenty years proves it." "I'll

her glass of

in time, shocked

spirits, not something one should

for Vivienne

envious glares turned toward

twenty years and was so understanding? Leopold must have struck

soon too

drinks and conversations. Percival, ever attentive to Vivienne,

some of her favorites, "Mr. Wolf,

Percival replied, accepting the food directly from her hand, sharing a tender moment amidst the

eventually called away,

managed, a testament to

a sip of his

"Oh, speaking of which, apprentice, I almost forgot something. Those photos you sent me

flickered

at the cultural heritage office couldn't pinpoint exactly who had used those