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

him a deep look, "Just

under her gaze, feeling uneasy at

between Vivienne and Draven,

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 couldn't keep the incident

it won't happen again, and I'll never mix up

pinched the bridge of her nose, "That's

Leopold, confused, "Then what?"

"You were the

head, "I was only a few steps

eyes, "She dodged

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

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

a look, wanting to dig for information but wary of

decided to step back, planning to

the young miss and master did

to its

Leopold, and she knew him

Wolf's survival, he couldn't have remained

only one

seen "him"

Of course.

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

chose not to press

Vivienne, and he wouldn't question

back, "How did we lose track

reported, "Our people only caught a glimpse of a figure. By the time they caught up, less than a minute later,

sure are you

the timing and the ability to use powers suggest a high probability it's

responded coolly, "We've had similar situations over the

time, the outcome

years, she had spread her network across the globe in search of him,

Vivienne's gaze became introspective.

to hide right under her nose,

found him, she would let him

weren't something a simple apology could

No matter the reason.