The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Kenneth swallowed hard, quickening his pace to catch up with Percival.

“Bro, what the heck is going on? Isn’t our home security top-notch? How could someone leave this on our doorstep? Should I tell Grandpa?”

Percival suddenly stopped in his tracks, causing Kenneth to crash into his broad shoulders. His nose stung, and tears streamed down his face without warning.

Rubbing his nose, Kenneth muttered, “Bro, what was that for?”

“Aren’t you supposed to be at practice today?” Percival asked, his tone indifferent.

“Aw, crap!” Kenneth nearly forgot. Reminded by Percival, he hurriedly changed into his gear, grabbed his backpack, and dashed off.

Finally, Percival had some peace and quiet. He sat back on his bed, contemplating the gorgeous weather outside. It would be a shame not to go out and enjoy it.

[Vivienne, let’s go out on a date!] He texted.

Vivienne had just woken up. Seeing the message on her phone, she chuckled and replied, [Suspended and still in the mood for fun?]

[Yeah, a rare break from the grind.]

Stretching lazily, Vivienne sat up, about to agree, when another message came through.

It was a top-secret code.

Her fingers flew over the screen, deciphering the message. It was Quincy!

After all her time undercover at GTO, this was her first direct communication.

[The boss is back; orders are to hit the Miller family!]

Vivienne narrowed her eyes. GTO had set their sights on the Miller family?

Or did they think the Millers were holding Belle?

The Miller family had always been under the protection of the Nine Mystics Society. It was not surprising that GTO had caught wind of them. They did not deserve to have lasted this long if they could not even sniff out that much.

But that was all they would find.

looks like our date is off.] Vivienne texted

replied, [Alright, then it’s an

to gather a few of the guys

aimed to find Belle through the Miller family, Aaron would be the first target. He was the Millers’ heir apparent and

would be the most effective, most

got

project announced by the professor, let’s partner up,” Anna said, her hair neatly tied in a ponytail, sporting jeans and a white shirt – a bit of Vivienne’s

the most inconspicuous girl in class, the

first time I’ve heard that mu… Anna talk to anyone. You’re a lucky guy,

as a mute but thought better of it

them coolly, offering no

the guys a stern look. Owing to Vivienne’s sake, he did not

ask Anna about her relationship with Vivienne, but she always disappeared after class, as if she did not exist. He had nearly forgotten

can talk at the cafe,” Aaron said, picking up his backpack and walking alongside

knowing smirks of

cafe at Elite University, an open library space, was more conducive to discussion

“Is this

your ideas. I’ll follow your lead, and we’ll nail this group

though, as assigned by Vivienne, was to

noticed Anna’s eyes, behind her thick-framed glasses, scanning outside

was smart; sitting beside Anna, he pretended to study but

lifted her eyes slightly, neither

was enough for

excitement. “What does

his messages had been met with

wanted to reach out but did not know how to approach Vivienne and was afraid of intruding on her

lowered her gaze, tapping the book on the table, saying, “She wants you to focus on

he have to

about Vivienne’s world. If there’s

clenched her fists. “Shut

realizing he had said too

could not help but get worked up. His excitement soon subsided

when suddenly, a shadow fell across the window in

Anna’s pen poised to

nearly

the glass,