The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Behind the Martinez family's back door, a figure clutching a box sneaked away.

"Master!" Vivienne stood with her arms crossed, silently watching him, waiting for the moment he would notice her.

Finnian stiffened, then turned around with a grin, "You little rascal, what brings you here? Looking forfor something?" Vivienne returned the smile, raising an eyebrow at him, "Thought you were heading back to the Rockies, you made it back pretty fast, huh?" Finnian, "..." Seeing the box in his hands, Vivienne narrowed her eyes, "What's that you got there?" Finnian instinctively hid the box behind him, "Nothing, nothing at all." Vivienne saw right through him, "Master, taking gifts for your own disciple's matters? If Leopold finds out, you sure he won'te crying to you?" Finnian's smile twitched, quickly pulling Vivienne to his side, e on, that fool of a kid is getting hitched, a little 'running errand' fee for his master isn't too much, right?" Vivienne just stared at him silently.

Feeling guilty under her gaze, Finnian gave in, "Alright, alright, I'll splurge on a fat check for his wedding, that should do it, right?" But his treasures were off-limits.

With so many protégés, if this precedent was set, the rest of the Wolf pups would surelye sniffing around.

Vivienne glanced around, cutting to the chase, "Master, we talking here, or somewhere more private?" Finnian, cautiously clutching the box, coughed lightly, "Here's fine!" Changing spots might not guarantee his escape, after all.

Vivienne nodded, getting straight to the point, "About that backlash from forbidden magic you mentioned, is there a remedy?" Finnian frowned, "Hard to say, the aftermath of forbidden magic varies greatly, and the cause is as elusive as a curse, even if cured it's only temporary." "Generally speaking, the most direct way to break the curse is to eliminate the practitioner of the forbidden magic!" Vivienne doubted it was that simple.

If Declan's death could bring peace to the Wright family, Colin's final wish wouldn't be for their mutual destruction.

Finnian paused, then added, "That's just the simplest solution. Those who delve into forbidden magic usually harbor great ambitions and won't easily expose their weaknesses. But, everything has its origin, and the source of the backlash is bound to be with the practitioner." Hearing this, Vivienne had a plan forming in her mind.

Seeing things were settled, Finnian, clutching his box, attempted to make a quick exit.

If his apprentices caught a glimpse of the box's contents, he doubted they'd leave anything for him.

Suddenly, Vivienne asked, "Master, evere across a condition where someone's scared of sunlight after getting hurt?" Finnian halted, confused, "You ran into a vampire?" Vivienne rolled her eyes.

She shared the situation about finding Abigail's residence, "I suspect Abigail's connected to that family you mentioned before. She heals by consuming human hearts and fears light." Finnian gasped, "To think we'd encounter such a monstrous being after so many years. The research potential on this is immense." Vivienne, "..." "You've seen this before?" Vivienne caught the importance in his words.

Finnian scratched his nose, deflecting, "I'm no saint, can't claim to have seen every creature of the night. I'll check when I get back." "Don't get your hopes too high, though. Such tales are often embellished over time, their reliability questionable." Vivienne raised an eyebrow, "How long?" Finnian thought for a moment, "A trip back to the Rockies, givethree days max." Vivienne nodded and turned to leave.

Finnian paused, feeling he'd missed something crucial. Realizing, he stopped Vivienne, "Wait, what about the wild snow lotus you promised me? You didn't et, did you?" Vivienne spread her hands, unfazed, "I've been at the hospital dealing with Leopold's mess all morning. Do you think I'd carry that around?" Though her logic was sound, Finnian felt played, "You're not tricking me?" Knowing her master all too well, Vivienne nodded, offering a verbal assurance, "Three days, I'll exchange what you find for the lotus, guaranteed." "And about that box of treasures, let's pretend I saw nothing." Finnian's eyes lit up, "That's more like it." Vivienne tilted her chin, "Can I go now?" Finnian waved her off, "Off you go. And tell those kids to stop bothering me. They're grown enough to take care of themselves." Vivienne didn't respond.

Would she let go of such an efficient means of getting what she wanted? In the hall.

Griffin stopped crying, helping the barely standing Leopold to a chair.

She said apologetically, "Leopold, don't blmy grandpa or dad.

et They agreed to this bet out of concern for me. They were worried what would happen if I did marry you and you changed your heart." ñovels Leopold, shocked, nearly jumped up, "Impossible! When I, Leopold, make a decision, it's either for life or to the grave." Griffin paused, then smiled bitterly, "No need for such extremes. Knowing you care is enough." Leopold, realizing his mistake, "That's not what I meant..." "By the way, Griffin, when you mentioned your grandpa playing along, does that mean the invitation was also part of the act?" Griffin couldn't help but let out a chuckle mixed with disbelief, "Leo sometimes I think you're in your own little world, man. Didn't it strike you as odd that the invitation was only sent to your place?" Leopold just blinked in confusion, not quite catching on yet.

He couldn't believe everything was falling into place so seamlessly.

Going back, he knew he had to give a massive thanks to his mentor and Vivienne.

Without them, he wouldn't have even gotten a foot in the door of the Martinez estate.

This whole ordeal made him see things clearer.

The person he cherished and wanted to protect had always been Griffin, who never left his side.

Seeing through his thoughts, Griffin was touched yet found it amusing, "You, my friend, owe Vivienne a big one. She saw thising from a mile away. Taughtto trust my gut and to trust in you too. "Huh?" Leopold was taken aback for a moment, "When did Vivienne know? Why didn't she tell me?" Just then, Vivienne strolled in from the backyard, overhearing their conversation, she replied nonchalantly, "Would telling you have made any difference?" Leopold turned around to find Vivienne suddenly there, which nearly made him jump out of his skin.

Vivienne gave him a look that said 'really?' and added, "If you ever want to walk properly again, better take care of that leg. Not even the best physiotherapist would take your case otherwise." Leopold nodded earnestly, looking as meek as a mouse.

Vivienne exchanged a knowing look with Griffin, signaling she was heading out.

Griffin nodded slightly, watching Vivienne make her exit.

Outside, the Sterling father and son duo had already left, leaving only Percival by the car.

As Vivienne approached, Percival took her hand gently, "Tired?"