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.

like the one her mother,

spent the past month meticulously restoring it

see her mother working diligently as

the path her mother had

Holden emerged from within, followed by a group of lab

orienting his team

catching an unfinished experimental report on the

replicate that 3D biological printer, but we’re

the lab’s month of operation, Holden and his

the report and said, “These numbers are correct, but you’ve got the direction mixed

eyes lit up. They had been stuck for a month, but Vivienne had

Admiration was an understatement.

were research fanatics, and seeing Vivienne’s expertise, they eagerly surrounded her with reports from their

discussion, Vivienne asked, “Who’s handling the

copy of Hippocrates’ Corpus. His hair was neatly trimmed, his nails clean, and he

on the

sized him up, feeling an odd sense

name is Rex. He’s a recent hire. Young,

said, “Show me

report. Each word was

impressed by

I’m unclear about. I’ll report back to the director once I’ve figured them

at it and scribbled a series

moment, his eyes brightening. “Yes, this

the pen and said, “How long have

Rex replied casually, clutching the report as he headed to

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

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

Percival

Vivienne turned.

month, with fresh scars on

forward, saluting. “Special squad third division operative Anna, reporting for

Third division?

not Soren’s

explained, “Luck of the

patted Anna’s shoulder. “Passing is