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 deep look,

her gaze, feeling uneasy at the early morning

and

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

closely. I promise, it won't happen again,

her nose, "That's not what

Leopold, confused, "Then what?"

lips thinned, "You were the

only a few steps away;

eyes, "She dodged on

her... You have no idea, Vivienne, I was scared to death. Just thinking about it makes me

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;

Draven a look, wanting to dig

decided to step back, planning

the young miss and master did

returned to its

and she

Wolf's survival, he

only one

hadn't seen

Of course.

intended to keep his presence a secret, especially from those familiar with him, he wouldn't

this, chose not

and he wouldn't question those she

steered the conversation back, "How did we lose track of

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

eyes darkened, "How sure

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

responded coolly, "We've had

time, the outcome

the globe in search of him, each lead seemingly promising yet ultimately fruitless.

Vivienne's gaze became introspective.

Wolf dared to hide right under her nose, playing

him understand the fury she'd

something a simple

No matter the reason.