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.

that Karen had ties to the Vanguard Agency. But for the

Vivienne, revealing even this

to join the YQ Lab to ensure its utmost

the Vanguard Agency’s special squad. However, her last mission failed due

a second that it had happened without the involvement of the

that the YQ Lab was rebooting, it was only a matter of time before word got back to the Vanguard Agency’s

a hard place, with his immediate superior constantly trying to suppress him. If the higher-ups insisted

the ranks, they needed to suppress all

was the best

of the Perez family’s power,

trust in him and the Perez family—a gesture that

nod, and Yuri signed his name

partnership,” Yuri said, returning the contract to

was concluded, Zelda seized her chance to speak up. “Vivienne, we

gift, Zelda smiled. “I’ve chosen the gift already. Change into these matching outfits, and let me snap

shipper of Percival and Vivienne, she had to maintain her online fan

it had to

fans were getting

blinked in confusion.

thrust the couple’s outfits into Vivienne’s hands and pushed

in the outfits Zelda had chosen, Vivienne and Percival emerged to find Dawson ready with the lighting, awaiting the entrance of

start. “Get in position. I won’t photograph

on in bemusement, having never

directions, they posed for a series of couple photos

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

of

This was killing him!

to explain

of him but also had to repeatedly watch

what are you complaining about? They kissed right in front of me

“You might as

made up for years’ worth

farewell to Jasper and the others, Dawson was responsible for driving Vivienne

way, Dawson continued to

not even flinch at the question; instead, she queried, “Your family, the Lynette family, they’re an ancient

the phrase ‘ancient warrior lineage,’ Dawson

Sea City, much