The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

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She glanced at Soren’s retreating figure, knowing full well her recent tie in combat was just a stroke of luck.

Soren was still nursing an old injury, not yet back in top form.

Percival approached with the detached professionalism of a captain, addressing Anna, “A month from now will be the final assessment. Pass that, and I’ll arrange for you to start interning in the lab while carrying out missions.”

Anna saluted smartly. “Yes, sir. I won’t let you or Vivienne down.”

Vivienne watched her with a hint of amusement. The girl was a quick study.

While Leopold drove Vivienne and Percival back to their estate, Anna was left at the Vanguard Agency’s training camp to hone her skills.

On the way, Leopold queried, “Vivienne, do you think Anna’s got what it takes? The Agency’s training isn’t for the faint of heart.”

Despite Anna’s draw with Soren, he was worried.

“If you made it through, she will too,” Vivienne replied nonchalantly, leaning on Percival’s shoulder.

Percival nodded in agreement, “Right, makes sense.”

Leopold glanced in the rear-view mirror, catching the couple’s affectionate display, and asked belatedly, “Hang on. What do you mean ‘if I made it through’? I’m way better than Anna, okay?”

Vivienne lifted her gaze lazily, “She’s nineteen. How old are you?”

Leopold fell silent.

Alright, he asked for it. He should just shut up!

With a snap, he pulled down the visor.

Out of sight, out of mind, right?

…

A month later.

The assessment at Vanguard Agency officially began. The YQ and TCL labs had merged, keeping the YQ lab’s name.

Vivienne arrived at the lab first, taking in the familiar surroundings.

set up just like the one her mother, Karen, had established

the past month meticulously restoring it

working diligently as

her mother had

emerged from within, followed by a group of lab

orienting his team to the

eyes catching an unfinished experimental report on

replicate that 3D biological printer,

Holden and his team

the report and said, “These numbers are

They had been stuck for a month, but Vivienne had

Admiration was an understatement.

seeing Vivienne’s expertise, they eagerly surrounded

a brief discussion, Vivienne asked, “Who’s handling

was neatly trimmed, his nails clean, and

working on the potions,” he

up, feeling an odd sense of

capabilities, Holden quickly added, “Ma’am, his name is Rex. He’s a recent

Vivienne said, “Show

report. Each word

impressed

once I’ve figured

it and scribbled a series

for a moment, his eyes brightening. “Yes,

“How long have you been working on potion

report as he headed to his workstation,

offered another explanation. “Ma’am, he’s utterly devoted to medicine. We’re all used to it by

bothered. However, Rex’s dedication reminded her of someone, though that person was not nearly

Percival entered,

Vivienne turned.

month, with fresh scars on her exposed

“Special squad third division operative Anna, reporting

Third division?

not

looked at Percival, who explained, “Luck of the draw. She drew the

shoulder. “Passing is