The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne and Percival acted as if they were blind to the crisis, treating the life in Belle’s grasp as nothing worth mentioning.

Belle pressed the blade a fraction deeper. Her voice was laced with a threat. “Percival, you’re the head of Vanguard Agency’s special squad. You gonna let this hostage die on your watch and kiss your career goodbye?”

She was convinced Percival would not let the hostage die. That was the Vanguard Agency’s way; they valued life, even that of a stray dog, above all else. It was laughable, really. Because of this soft spot, they had missed countless opportunities to corner the notorious GTO.

As Belle mused over this, her smirk widened.

Yawning ostentatiously, Vivienne plopped down beside Percival, resting her head on his shoulder. “Cut the drama. Let’s wrap this up.”

Belle’s brows knitted in confusion. What was that supposed to mean?

Then, the plump waiter who had been serving them burst out indignantly, “Seriously? I’m just trying to bring you your drink, and this is how you repay me!”

Before Belle could react, the waiter grabbed her ankle in a swift motion, flipping her over and slamming her to the ground with a thud.

“Ugh!” Belle grunted, pain shooting through her already poisoned body, bones fracturing under the impact.

Vivienne frowned. “Brian, go easy on her. If she dies, it’s on you!”

Belle was a key player in GTO, second in command. There were secrets to be extracted, and a dead captive was worthless.

Brian peeled off his waiter’s vest and, drawing a whip from his belt, bound Belle up like a crab ready for the pot.

“Don’t worry, Vivienne,” he assured her, his eyes gleaming with the prospect of a hefty payout. “I’ve got a light touch.”

The bounty on Belle’s head was making Brian’s eyes turn into dollar sign emojis. Brody’s bounty was peanuts compared to this. How was he going to spend all that cash?

capture’s done; do I collect the bounty from you?” Brian

with unfathomable depth in his eyes, then stated flatly, “No, the bounty goes to

shred of hope evaporated upon hearing this, and Brian’s hopes

shortchanged. Everyone knew how tight-fisted Vivienne was – it was the

face fell. “You’re

was saying, “You’re seriously not going to

to see if

said, knocking Belle out with a precision strike. “As for the bounty…” She turned, pointing a delicate finger at Mr.

inwardly groaned. He should not have

up!”

to glee at the mention of the bounty. “Long live

sharply and handed over a card loaded with Belle’s bounty. “The PIN is

blinked in

eyes twinkled with delight. “The PIN

knew Vivienne’s birthday? She probably did not even know

playing me!” But Brian kept his

get the cash out? No worries. I’ve got another task for you. Complete

face lit up. “You

up the hunt for Mr. B under

did not question further. He knew the score the moment Vivienne took

Whatever you say.” Handing over Belle to

on,” Vivienne said, giving him a

tried one last time. “I’m really

with her money-obsessed protégé. “Go bug

vanished as