The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne scrutinized the contract from top to bottom, each clause capable of sending shock waves through the business world if taken on its own.

The document stated that the Perez family would unconditionally provide all components and funding necessary for the development of a groundbreaking new explosive device. In return, Vivienne was only required to secure a location and manage security and insurance—the kind of overhead that would not cost her a dime.

The catch? The patent for the new explosive could not bear Vivienne’s name.

But this term suited Vivienne just fine.

After all, the explosive device was Griffin’s brainchild. She had simply come into possession of it by a twist of fate and, coincidentally, had the means to bring the project to fruition.

Without hesitation, Vivienne signed her name on the dotted line.

It marked the second time she had officially collaborated with the government.

“Grandpa, I agree to the terms here,” Vivienne handed the contract to Jasper.

Jasper chuckled. “Kiddo, you don’t want to ask around a bit more?”

“I trust you, Jasper. That’s enough for me.”

Vivienne had that kind of confidence; once she believed in someone, she trusted them completely.

Jasper felt a wave of relief and nodded in approval. “Alright, this old man won’t let you down; rest assured.”

Vivienne glanced at Percival, who, in turn, presented another contract.

“Jasper, Yuri, please take a look at this contract as well,” Percival said, passing it over with both hands.

It was a gift from Percival and Vivienne to the Perez family.

Jasper’s brows twitched, and Yuri was visibly stunned. “Vivienne, are you sure?”

Their surprise was not overblown; they simply had not expected Vivienne to be willing to offer up such an asset.

The contract was another win-win partnership, where the Perez family would not need to invest much effort or time into maintenance.

It pertained to the YQ Lab—a highly secretive venture of Vivienne’s, with every project somehow linked to Karen.

Yuri had previously uncovered a bit about it, but not in great detail.

the Vanguard Agency. But

Vivienne, revealing

to join the YQ Lab

the previous captain of the Vanguard Agency’s special squad. However, her last mission failed due to certain reasons, and the

for a second that it had happened without the involvement of the Vanguard

Lab was rebooting, it was only a matter of time before word got back

his immediate superior constantly trying to suppress him. If the higher-ups insisted on reintegrating the YQ Lab back into the

the ranks, they needed to suppress all uncertain factors

was the

of the Perez family’s power, it was enough to protect the YQ

to sign this contract proved her trust in him and the Perez family—a gesture that

and Yuri signed his name

to a successful partnership,” Yuri said, returning the contract

seized her chance to speak up. “Vivienne, we haven’t seen each other in so long. Don’t

about to present her gift, Zelda smiled. “I’ve chosen the gift already.

biggest shipper of Percival and Vivienne, she had to maintain her

it had to

were

in confusion. “Matching

outfits into Vivienne’s hands and pushed

and Percival emerged to find Dawson

was itching to start. “Get in position. I won’t photograph your faces, so don’t

in bemusement, having

so, under Zelda’s repeated directions, they posed for a series of couple photos where their faces

equipment, Dawson watched Vivienne and Percival’s repeated intimate poses in front of

kind of madness

This was killing him!

explain

only watched Percival kiss Vivienne right in front of him but also had to repeatedly watch them cuddle and hug while he

would say, “Heh, what are you complaining about? They kissed right in front of

disciples, “You might as well apologize with your

dinner party, Vivienne had seemingly made up for years’ worth

Dawson

the way, Dawson continued

she queried, “Your

‘ancient warrior lineage,’ Dawson regained his

City, much like the lovestruck old rogue sitting