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.

was set up just like the one her

had spent the past month meticulously restoring it to its

see her mother working diligently as she approached

path her

emerged from within, followed by a

had been orienting his team to the lab’s

acknowledgment, her eyes catching an unfinished

that 3D biological printer, but we’re hitting a

the lab’s month of operation, Holden and his team had been busy with experiments

quickly spotted several errors on the report and said, “These numbers are correct, but you’ve got the

been stuck for a month, but Vivienne had seen the solution

Admiration was an understatement.

and seeing Vivienne’s expertise, they eagerly

a brief discussion, Vivienne asked, “Who’s

Corpus. His hair was neatly

working on the potions,” he said

up, feeling

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

“Show me

over his half-finished report. Each

nodded, impressed by his

the director once I’ve figured them out,”

scribbled a

numbers for a moment, his eyes brightening. “Yes, this could

pen and said, “How long have you

this morning,” Rex replied casually, clutching the report as

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

her of someone, though

spoke, Percival

Vivienne turned.

month, with fresh scars

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

Third division?

not Soren’s

Percival, who explained, “Luck of

patted Anna’s shoulder. “Passing is all that