The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Pretending to ponder for a moment, Godfrey put on a troubled face and said, "Coincidentally, Finnian cby today with the sthing in mind-talking about marriage. And he mentioned his favorite protégé." Then Godfrey shifted the conversation to Finnian, "Isn't that right, Master?" Vivienne, "..... Leopold, ".

|| Wasn't Vivienne the master's favorite disciple? Finnian shot a glance at his disciple, who was as cunning as a fox, hiding schemes behind every hair on his head, and another who was so simple-minded it was almost infuriating.

Gritting his teeth and against his better judgment, he nodded, "Indeed, my disciple may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but he's the one I see the most potential in." He almost stumbled over his words but managed to keep hisposure.

After all, today's star was his dear little Leopold.

As long as today's event went smoothly, he could retire in peace.

Otherwise, the boy's wailing could drive a man to madness! Leopold had many qualities, but his tendency to burst into tears at the drop of a hat was something Finnian genuinely dreaded. Below, Kellan was taken aback, exchanging a knowing look with his son.

Leopold? The master's favorite? They wondered if there had been smistake.

Their boy, standing out among so many talents? Believe it or not, Leopold did.

With teary eyes, he looked at his master, who couldn't bear to meet his gaze.

Oh, he was so cherished by his master.

From now on, he swore never to bad-mouth his master in secret chats with his fellow disciples again.

Vivienne and Percival sipped their tea unbothered.

Even if the master showered Leopold with undeserved praise today, they were resigned to listen.

Seeing everyone stunned, Godfrey becmore convinced about Finnian's disciple.

"Although I've never met the master's disciple personally, given the master's wisdom and capability, I'm sure this youngest disciple is truly exceptional, a dragon among men." Seizing the moment, Finnian added, "Well, what are we waiting for? Leopold,e here, meet your future father-in-law and grandfather. Let's consider this settled." Leopold's face lit up, and he hobbled over, giving a deep bow to the bewildered Godfrey and Stellan.

"Father-in-law, grandfather, I truly love Griffin. It's not that I've been avoiding her on purpose. I genuinely wish to spend my life with her, please giveanother chance!" Godfrey was flabbergasted, ignoring the room's astonished looks, he turned to Finnian, "Master, what's this about?" Finnian, with an air of calm, looked at the excited Leopold, almost as if he'd won the lottery, and coughed, "Yes, he's my youngest disciple, Leopold." Godfrey, || So, he had been praising this fool all along.

Since when had Leopold be Finnian's favorite disciple? Stellan, clear-eyed, appreciated Leopold, especially since his daughter had been fond of him for years. Not something to be otten overnight.

A gentle nudge, a light reprimand might suffice, no need for aplete fallout.

"Dad, about Leopold..." "I disagree." This declaration did not sit well with Kellan.

"Now, Godfrey, you're being unfair. You know how deeply the kids care for each other. Yes, my grandson hurt Griffin, but this is between them. We can't decide for them." Douglas also spoke up for his son, "Godfrey, Leopold truly cares for Griffin, he just doesn't know how to express it. Please, for the sake of our families, give him another chance." Godfrey, visibly annoyed, was not inclined to discuss further.

Vivienne, with a headache brewing, intervened, "Godfrey, this may be a matter for your two families, but I must ask for Griffin's sake." Godfrey stopped, knowing he had to give Vivienne this much respect.

"Speak." Vivienne calmly stated, "If Griffin marries the man you've chosen out of spite, do you truly believe she'll be happy?" Godfrey fell silent.

Vivienne continued, "You're well aware of my brother's character and capabilities. What you might not know is that in Emerald Mountain, we have a tradition of never betraying our chosen partner." ñovels Finnian nodded in agreement, "The girl speaks the truth. I can vouch for that." Godfrey listened, seeminglying to a realization.

Then, a figure rushed from the backyard.

Standing before Godfrey, she declared, "Grandfather, I refuse this arranged marriage. I will only marry Leopold!" Leopold, seeing her, nearly dropped his cane in excitement, "Griffin, you finally agreed to see me!" Seeing Leopold's injuries, Griffin burst into tears.

Leopold, unsure of what to do, said, "Don't cry... please..." Tossing aside his cane, he hobbled over and embraced her.

Griffin cried even harder.

After chasing him for twenty years, she had finally won at the last moment.

Leopold awkwardlyforted her, "My injuries are nothing serious, just fell from your wall last night trying to see you. The doctor said I'll be fine in a few days." Griffin, with tears in her eyes, scolded, "You fool, do you have any idea how strong my family's security is? You could have been seriously hurt..." The events of last night were aplete mystery to her, and had she known, she certainly wouldn't have let him wait outside like a fool.

Seeing the situation, everyone present knew it was tto make themselves scarce.

Finnian stepped forward tofort Godfrey, "The kids look like they're really hitting it off. Just hearout, matters of the heart can't be forced, especially when ites to the debts of affection our descendants owe. It's a burden we simply can't bear." Godfrey's gaze flickered before settling on his granddaughter, who was sobbing uncontrollably. He sighed in resignation, "Well, as long as she's happy, I guess I can live with being the villain." Meanwhile, Kellan was profusely thanking Vivienne, while also trying to discuss the arrangements for Leopold's wedding. Faced with such a significant life event, Vivienne was overwhelmed and promptly decided to delegate the task to Mr. Wolf. She then set off to keep an eye on her mentor, who seemed to be looking for any chance to escape.