The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 1070

Griffin bit her lip, her worry evident in her wide eyes.

No matter how much you prepare, the thing you fear the most always seems to find a way to happen.

"Vivienne, you don't think the guys will take Leopold out back for a rough-up, do you?" she whispered, sneaking over to ask Vivienne.

The only outcome she could imagine was Leopold getting a piece of their minds, quite literally.

Vivienne offered a reassuring smile, "Don't worry about it. They know better than to actually hurt Leopold."

At most, they'll find some other way to vent.

Meanwhile...

Leopold was cornered in an empty parking lot, surrounded by a group that looked less than pleased to see him. Jerry, cracking his knuckles leisurely, led the charge. "Alright, Leopold, spill it. How are we handling this?" With a heavy heart, Leopold glanced at the intimidating setup and then back at the two brothers pinning him down, swallowing hard.

This was a setup if he'd ever seen one.

Accustomed to playing the weaker card, he immediately went for sympathy, "Guys, come on. Today's the christening party for Vivienne's twins. If I show up looking like I've been mugged, what will people think?" Daniel snorted, cutting him off, "You think Vivienne's always going to take your side?"

As if they were invisible in Vivienne's eyes.

Jerry sighed, looking directly at Leopold, "We've been good to you, haven't we?"

Leopold, knowing full well he'd kicked the hornet's nest this time, could only nod in agreement, afraid to utter another word.

Jerry raised an eyebrow, "And how have you repaid our kindness?"

Supposedly, it was all about fair competition, but here was Leopold, sneaking around and then boasting about it...

they supposed to

Silence from Leopold.

knew, no matter what, this pit was not one he could

sympathy card, "Jerry, I swear, I wasn't on purpose. It

threatening tone, questioned, "Becoming godfather to

Leopold blinked earnestly, nodding.

it was a

thought Vivienne would actually

demeanor icy, "Not coming clean, huh? Good thing I've got a

he was

on the horizon, any mishap would be

narrowing, "That's more like

didn't do anything. I just asked Vivienne if I could

darkened, "You're kidding, right? Just asked and she agreed? What, do you have a magic

an eyebrow, "Thinking you can fool us with

slick. Not honest, huh?

do

action, Gary and Larry moved in, one holding Leopold still, the other ready with a handful of peanuts, about to shove them in his mouth. Leopold, allergic to peanuts, could barely stand the smell without

away, showing up swollen and red was

Sterling family name, I'm telling the truth. Call Vivienne if you don't believe me..." The group

Leopold's fear of his family's wrath,

I've lied about anything, do whatever

all. If Vivienne agreed, there must be a

to keep his mouth shut,

earned him

But without further argument.

be Leopold's ever-faithful companion,