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?"

did you get

gave him a deep

her gaze, feeling uneasy

nervously, glancing between Vivienne and Draven, "Is

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

I promise, it won't happen again, and I'll never mix up the kids' school

her nose, "That's not what I'm

Leopold, confused, "Then what?"

"You were the one who saved

his head, "I was only a few steps away; Juliette dodged it

narrowed her eyes, "She

have no idea, Vivienne, I was scared to death. Just thinking about

Juliette have nightmares about it? I was worried this morning, you know how she hates nightmares." Vivienne's

shot Draven a look, wanting to dig

back, planning

and master did notice someone using

gaze returned to

Leopold, and

had known about Mr. Wolf's

only one

hadn't seen "him"

Of course.

especially from those familiar with him, he wouldn't

this, chose

to Vivienne, and

steered the conversation back, "How did

reported, "Our people only caught a glimpse of a figure. By the time they caught up, less than a minute later, the person had vanished. Without the ability to discern the use of powers, they had to let it

sure are you it

to use powers suggest

coolly, "We've had similar situations

time, the outcome was

in search of

Vivienne's gaze became introspective.

her

him, she would let him understand the fury she'd been suppressing all

something a simple apology could

No matter the reason.