The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

The next day.

Leopold's car pulled up outside the Linklater residence when he spotted a sleek black sedan parked right behind him. The moment he saw who stepped out of it, his eyes widened in shock.

The expression was a dead ringer for Juliette's usual demeanor.

"What are you doing here?"

Draven paused, giving him a glance over before responding with his typical icy demeanor, "I'm here to see the boss." Leopold blinked in surprise.

His shock was understandable; over the past few years, he only knew Draven had been dispatched by Vivienne across the globe in search of Percival. He had never shown his face until now.

This sudden appearance, could it mean he had found...

Leopold's thoughts raced, and he stepped forward to block Draven's path, "Hey, Draven, no rush, I've got something to ask you..."

Draven had no intention of catching up.

He was here on urgent business for Vivienne.

After explaining his purpose to the security, he strode inside.

The more Draven acted this way, the more Leopold was convinced of his suspicions.

He hurried after him, clapping Draven on the shoulder from behind, "What's the hurry, man? Didn't you know Vivienne's been out these past few days?" Draven paused but didn't respond.

Leopold, ever the sociable one, draped an arm over his shoulder, nudging him with a grin, "Years have gone by, and you're still the same. We've known each other for years; we're practically brothers, right?" "You rushing over to see Vivienne, got something important, huh? She's not around, but you can talk to me, I swear I won't breathe a word."

Leopold probed with each phrase, unable to conceal his curiosity in his glittering eyes.

If there truly was news about Percival.

That would be the news of the century.

He was dying to know where Percival might be.

Draven glanced at him, feeling a disconnect in their conversation.

Leopold, puzzled by Draven's look, "What? Man, Vivienne really isn't here, you think I'd lie to you?"

He turned only to be met with the sight of Vivienne's imposing figure in the foyer, causing him to choke, "Vivienne?"

you get

a

feeling

Vivienne and Draven,

didn't beat around the bush, addressing Leopold directly in front of Draven, "Leopold, what happened with Juliette at school yesterday afternoon?" Leopold's heart skipped a beat, knowing he

bad, I should've watched Juliette more closely. I promise, it won't happen again, and I'll

her

Leopold, confused, "Then what?"

were

his head, "I was only a few

narrowed her eyes, "She dodged on her

time, that car would've hit her... You have no idea, Vivienne, I was scared to death. Just thinking about it makes me break

did Juliette have nightmares about it? I was worried this morning, you know how she hates nightmares." Vivienne's gaze softened, suggesting Leopold should check on the kids, "It's getting late; they

to

step back, planning

and master did notice someone using abilities at the time. Could Leopold be intentionally hiding

to its usual

trusted Leopold, and she

he had known about Mr. Wolf's survival, he couldn't have remained

left only one

hadn't seen

Of course.

to keep his presence a secret, especially from those familiar with

hearing this, chose not to press

to Vivienne, and he wouldn't question those she

the conversation back, "How

figure. By the time they caught up, less than a minute later, the person had vanished. Without

sure are

yet, but the timing and the ability to use powers suggest a high probability it's the person we've been searching for all these

coolly, "We've had similar situations over the

time, the outcome

had spread her network across the globe in search of him, each lead seemingly promising yet ultimately

Vivienne's gaze became introspective.

under her nose, playing a game

found him, she would let him understand the

feelings weren't something a simple

No matter the reason.