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

gave him a deep

feeling uneasy

and Draven, "Is there something off

Juliette at school

I should've watched Juliette more closely. I promise, it won't happen

of her nose,

Leopold, confused, "Then what?"

"You were the

was only a few

eyes, "She dodged on

"If Juliette hadn't moved just in time, that car would've hit her... You have no idea, Vivienne, I was scared to death.

nightmares." Vivienne's

leaving, Leopold shot Draven a look, wanting to dig for information but wary of Vivienne catching

decided to step back, planning to inquire

guard the young miss and master did notice someone

gaze returned to its usual

and she

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

only

seen

Of course.

his presence a secret, especially from

hearing this, chose

was to Vivienne, and he

"How did

less than a minute later, the person had vanished. Without the

darkened, "How sure are you it

answered truthfully, "We can't be certain yet, but the timing and the ability to use powers suggest a high probability it's

responded coolly, "We've had similar

time, the

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

Vivienne's gaze became introspective.

her nose, playing a

him understand the fury she'd been suppressing

unresolved feelings weren't something a simple apology could

No matter the reason.