The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

The eyes of the four people pinned Leopold down like he was under an X-ray, seeing right through him.

Feeling guilty, he stuttered, "Um, I..." "Spit it out, and if you misspeak, I'll break your legs!" Douglas roared, sending shivers down Leopold's already trembling spine. Stammering, Leopold recounted the events of the day before yesterday in a rushed manner.

Concerned Vivienne might not grasp the whole story, he emphasized, "Vivienne, I swear I didn't say anything. But Griffin, she just stopped in her tracks, didn't even letin the house, and called off the engagement." Vivienne listened, baffled but knowing Griffin well, she asked directly, "Do you not want to marry her, or do you not love her?" Caught off guard by Vivienne's sudden question, Leopold was taken aback, despite the seriousness in her tone.

Faced with the interrogation from the four, he felt an odd sense of déjà vu butpelled by Vivienne's authoritative tone, he managed to say, "I...I like her, Vivienne, you know that..." "Then why hesitate?" Vivienne cut him off.

"Huh?" Leopold was confused. "Hesitate about what?" Vivienne was speechless.

Percival thought about smacking Leopold himself, wondering if his head was just for show.

That's why they called him Husky, and it was fitting.

"When Griffin asked you to formally propose at the Martinez estate, why did you hesitate?" Vivienne pressed.

Leopold's face flushed, mumbling, "Isn't it too soon?" Kellan threw a cup in frustration, "Too soon? That girl from the Martinez family has been head over heels for you for nearly twenty years, and you've been clueless, acting like you don't know. If your eyes don't work, might as well throw them away." Douglas quickly calmed his father, "Dad, don't get worked up over this fool; it's not worth your health." Leopold wondered, wasn't he the beloved youngest son of the Sterling family anymore? Percival stepped in, asking Kellan to rest, assuring him they could handle Leopold and make him understand.

Reassured, Kellan went to fetch his blood pressure medication, fearing he'd drop dead from anger at his foolish grandson. "Sir, the Martinez family sent a package over," the butler announced, entering with a delivery.

Hearing "the Martinez family," Leopold's face brightened, "See, I told you Griffin wouldn't really leave me. She was just angry, saying she'd marry someone else was all talk..." As he took the package from the butler, the Sterling family patriarch's face stiffened.

Fortunately, the old man had already gone to the backyard; seeing the package might have darkened the day for the Sterling family.

Noticing his father's grim expression, Leopold swallowed hard and stepped back, "Dad, we can talk this out; violence isn't the answer." Douglas slammed the package on the table, picking up a riding crop, "As long as it eases my anger." "Ah!" Percival glanced at the package then handed it to Vivienne.

Her eyes narrowed upon seeing its contents.

Was Griffin playing for keeps this time? An invitation was inside.

Percival looked down at Leopold, who was taking the punishment, his brows furrowed, "He's not an idiot. With Griffin's move, it's either win big or lose everything." "Choosing this moment to send it, she's clearly made up her mind," Vivienne said, setting down the invitation, ready to leave. Leopold panicked, "Vivienne, Percival, where are you going? What about me?" Vivienne scoffed at him, "Chill out. They've sent an invitation; why stay?" "What invitation?" Leopold paused, feeling the sting of the crop but seemed unfazed. He followed Vivienne, dumping the package's contents on the table.

The gold-embossed red lettering hurt his eyes.

An invitation? To whose wedding! It had been less than two days. What was she thinking? Leopold clenched his fists, storming out.

e back!" Douglas called after him, his voice heavy.

Leopold, emotionless, replied, "Dad, I need to confront the Martinez family for clarity." "What were you doing earlier?" "The Martinez family is no ordinary family; if the invitation reached us, it means they're ready for everything. Going there now would only embarrass yourself and potentially ruin their wedding, wouldn't it?" Leopold stopped in his tracks.

Douglas sighed, "Griffin has loved you for so many years. If she truly chose someone else, you have no right to question her." Leopold's emotions were in turmoil.

That day, he had only hesitated outside the Martinez estate. It seemed Griffin sensed his hesitation and suddenly let go of his hand.

In his mind, Griffin was either fiercely claiming she would marry him or coolly chasing after him on her bike.

How could she marry someone else at this moment? He hadn't disagreed; he just hesitated for a few seconds, thinking she would understand...

Vivienne and Percival exchanged a look.

Percival was the first to break the silence. "Leopold, Uncle's right, the Martinez clan is different from us.

They value their reputation above all else. If they're really sending out invitations, this thing is probably legit." QUMS Leopold felt his heart sink even more. His gaze inevitably fell on Vivienne, the only one here who might have a say with the Martinez clan.

"Vivienne, what should I do?" Vivienne glanced at him, her response calm and collected. "If I were you, I'd let it go. You can't win against the Martinez clan." Leopold clenched his teeth. "No, I have to fight, even if I can't win." "It's your person." "Then fight for them back!" Leopold was stunned. "Fight? As in... physically?" "Vivienne, the Martinez clan is known for their arsenal. They wouldn't actually bomb me, would they...?" Vivienne rolled her eyes. "Then resign yourself to bachelorhood." With those words, she turned and left.

Percival gave him a look that screamed 'good luck'.

After all, the Martinez clan's status was well known; not even the Ellingtons could meddle in their marital affairs, let alone help in bridal rescue. The Martinez weren't just about heavy artillery; biological weapons were also in their arsenal.

A lineage of ancient warriors who had emerged back into the limelight was not to be trifled with.

Leopold watched as the two left as smoothly as water flowing downstream, his heart nearly shattering.

Weren't they here to help him? Yet, they left just like that.

Leopold couldn't believe it, wanting to confront the Martinez family himself. However, the head of the Sterling family had already ordered ropes to be brought, and had Leopold tied up.

If he really caused a scene at the Martinez estate, the Sterling family could vanish from Rivenwood by tonight.

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