The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

The three chatted in the study, their conversation stretching on for hours. When they emerged, the storm clouds on Flynn’s face were the only tell of the weighty matters they’d discussed.

In the meantime, Vivienne and Imogen had made plans to collaborate on a fashion project—a line of evening dresses that would surely turn heads.

As the three appeared, the women approached them with eager smiles.

“Flynn, darling,” Imogen cooed, linking her arm through his, her voice a whisper of concern, “What’s wrong?”

Flynn offered a wry smile and shook his head, a silent indication that now was not the time for such discussions.

“I’ll take Vivienne home,” Percival announced, taking Vivienne’s hand with a gentlemanly grace.

The evening was creeping in, and with Dorian’s messages asking after her, it was clear Vivienne needed to return to her own abode.

After bidding farewell to Richard and the others, Vivienne and Percival stepped outside where Thomas and Anna were waiting.

“Ms. Vivienne,” Anna began, her tone solemn, “based on Belle’s intel, we located the lab where Calista was working on the Boar Poison. But by the time we got there, they had already evacuated.”

Vivienne nodded, unsurprised. GTO’s mysterious boss would have been the first to sense anything amiss and would have moved Calista to keep the Boar Poison within their control. Yet, the poison did not seem that useful to her—it was curable, after all, and mainly just had a prolonged incubation period that could disfigure a person. She had more lethal toxins at her disposal. Why were they so obsessed with this one?

Regret washed over her as she realized the trouble her past dealings with the poison had caused.

Back then, she traded Fiona only for the medicine in her possession. To her, the medicine was more important than the Boar Poison. Plus, she wanted to know if Fiona would use the Boar Poison on Percival.

However, Fiona never did it. Afterward, due to how occupied Vivienne had been, she had forgotten entirely about the Boar Poison, thus bringing so much trouble.

Thomas opened the car door for them, and as Vivienne and Percival settled inside, he mentioned, “Percival, the boss wants to see you too.”

“Okay.”

home, Percival headed to the headquarters. The building was quiet, except for the

door. “Boss, you wanted to

desk. His silver hair spoke of years of

others often joked that Percival would look just like Micah in time, though Soren was certain their captain

Micah gestured, pointing to the sofa with his

a seat. “Working late, boss. Is

“As if you need

sip of the coffee. “Delicious. Compliments to your

smirked. “The coffee and the supplier are both exceptional. Do you know

looked at him,

boss. He came by today inquiring

“And?” Percival prompted.

Mr. B vanished after that press conference at the Ellington estate. I’ve lost track of her

my monitor until three days ago when she went to the launch party at your family. After that, I completely lost track of her.

the same thing. Why

“It’s classified. I couldn’t tell

a note of irritation. “I’ve been tracking GTO for years, and now you’re saying my job is classified? Should I be tried in

upset, Percival, but I’m just following orders. If you have Mr. B, hand her

found her, still looking,” Percival replied,

as Leopold. Fine, get out

stood and left swiftly, like a whirlwind passing by Micah’s side. Micah watched

outside headquarters,

[Cover’s blown. Stay vigilant.]

curve

the undercover was getting a bit

her eyes, staring at the three photographs

to the botched operation from