The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Leopold froze, "Master?"

"Vivienne, if | call out for the master, will hee?"

Vivienne cast a glance at him, "You can't summon him by just calling. Don't you know how to ping someone?"

A spark lit in Leopold's eyes.

Right, he might not be able to summon the master, but his brothers could.

"I'll message them right now."

Excited, Leopold whipped out his phone, sending a voice message into the group chat.

"Brothers, anyone knows where the master is, sendhis location quick. | desperately need the master's help, or my future

happiness is doomed."

The group was silent...

et about the Martinez family losing face, at this moment, even the Sterling family would feel embarrassed.

How did he switch gears so smoothly?

No wonder the Martinez family felt so choked up.

Five minutes passed, then ten, with only Leopold's lone voice message lying in the chat.

Leopold felt like crying. Why did it seem like when he was in trouble, no one cared?

"Vivienne..."

Vivienne, feeling a headacheing on, took Leopold's phone and sent a 3-second voice message into the group, "Leopold's

fiancée has been taken. We need the master to show up!"

The moment her message was sent, the chat exploded.

Jerry: "Who's got a death wish, messing with our Leopold?"

Daniel: "Vivienne, what are you doing at Leopold's? And since when did Leopold have a fiancée?"

Eric: "Daniel, focus. Leopold's in trouble and needs help. Vivienne, | haven't been in touch with the master lately, but he mentioned

he'd be staying at Rivenwood for a while."

The chat buzzed with activity as the brothers coordinated a response.

Larry: "Don't hang up, tracing his location now."

Gary: "Leopold, you're getting married and didn't even drop us a hint, only told Vivienne?"

Leopold: "Brothers, | swear | didn't mean to keep it from you. It all happened so suddenly, and | couldn't handle it alone. I'm

grateful for your help."

Larry: "Found him. He's at a temple up in Rivenwood."

Vivienne, taking charge, declared, "Tell him if he's not at the Martinez estate within half an hour, we're dividing his treasures into

ten parts."

The brothers acknowledged the plan.

Ten minutes later, Leopold received a call.

Shocked for a moment, he said, "Vivienne, the master himself called me."

She gestured for him to answer as they got ready to leave.

In the car, Thomas drove, with Leopold, nursing his injuries, in the passenger seat. Vivienne rested in the back, her head on Mr.

Wolf's lap, finding afortable spot.

Leopold, noticing Vivienne's difort, voiced his concern, only to be silenced by a stern look from Mr. Wolf.

Thomas had no patience for Leopold's chatter, reminding him to focus on how to win over his future father-in-law once they arrived

at the Martinez estate.

At the Martinez estate, Godfrey Martinez was in good spirits, chatting with Finnian. Even Stellan Martinez had to step back,

attending to them.

Leopold was amazed, murmuring to Vivienne about the master's influence, wishing he had sought his help earlier.

Vivienne remained silent. The master was not only a revered figure from an ancient warrior lineage but also a respected

geomancer, valued by high society for his skills.

"Godfrey, I'vee to apologize on behalf of my grandson. Hope you don't mind the intrusion," Kellan announced, entering with

his son's support.

Stellan, not wanting to make a fuss over a minor issue, assured Kellan it was all fine, then turned his attention to Leopold,

expressing genuine concern for his health.

The group exchanged pleasantries, with Vivienne and Mr. Wolf finally stepping forward to greet everyone, ensuring Godfrey, who

owed Vivienne a life debt, offered the highest hospitality.

Vivienne offered a polite nod, accepting the situation with grace.

Kellan took a seat across from her, and she positioned herself next to Finnian, their proximity a mere coincidence.

With a courteous nod, she said, "What a coincidence, Finnian, we meet again."

Finnian's smile twitched uncontrollably. Coincidence, my foot!

He wasn't born yesterday; he knew full well that Vivienne was the only one who could wrangle those troublemakers.

To get him out of hiding, that cheeky girl had really pulled out all the stops.

Hearing their exchange, Godfrey,

who was sera nearby, suddenly

remembered the connection oO

betweenthe two. Vivienne was the

granddaughter of the South Hill

. . ~

family, and Finnianwas ~~ ©

eFacquaied with them Content

belongs to .Aet

"Look at me, almost etting. Ms. Hawthorn and Finnian should know each other."

Vivienne chimed in with a smile, "Met a few times, not very familiar?"

Finnian thought, Not familiar? You treat my treasures as if they're your own backyard veggies?

Not familiar? You hadpressing handprints as if lending you a grand was like borrowing eighty million...

Considering the few heirlooms he had left to pass down, he'd just have to bear it.

Sensing the tension between the

two, Godfrey didn't probe furtherg,

Just then, a servant cin with

tea, and he seized the opportufiity to

’ —_

change the subject. "So, Kellan, what

brings you here today?" Content

bélongs to .rét

Kellan squinted his eyes. They were all cunning as centuries-old foxes, no point in pretending.

"Godfrey, Im laying it all out today.

My grandson might be a bit clueless

when igomes to understanding”

girls, but we've watched thesekids

growUp together. Why not give

them a chance?"

eR sw ie

Godfrey's face tightened, a mix of frustration and annoyance bubbling inside him.

A chance?

Hadn't they given enough chances over the past twenty years?

Just because their grandson was in the picture, they thought they could play dumb?

If word got out, the Martinez family could have their pick of the litter. Why should they settle for their clueless boy?

MMMWWLIIOAIfO&L

MMMWWLIIOAIfO&L

mmMwWLHIOfiflO&1

MMMWWLIIOAIfO&L

mmMyWL11I01F1081

mMMwWLIIOfiflO&1