The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

The conversation had taken a turn, and it was clear that light-hearted banter was off the table.

“Vance, let’s cut to the chase.” Vivienne bit into a strawberry, savoring the burst of sweet, succulent flavor.

Vance sipped his wine, his gaze shifting between Vivienne and Percival.

“Vivienne, what do you know about Percival here?” He asked, nodding subtly towards Percival.

Vivienne tilted her head, eyeing Percival from head to toe. “Inside out,” she declared.

Percival nearly choked on his Chardonnay.

What on earth was she talking about?

Were they not here for a formal discussion?

Vance was clearly taken aback, not expecting such a forthright answer from Vivienne.

Nor had Vivienne expected to say it, but seeing Percival’s stern and ascetic demeanor, she just could not help herself.

Not everyone could understand the world of someone who cared about looks like she did.

Vance regained his composure and chuckled. “Well then, you must be familiar with his work. I was wondering if you might be interested in joining him professionally?”

Percival coughed, glancing at Vance.

Was he suggesting Vivienne join the Vanguard Agency?

Vivienne speared another strawberry with her fork, the juice coating her taste buds in satisfaction.

“Director Vance, are you sure you can afford to hire me?”

Her question put Vance in an awkward spot. He flashed a forced smile. “Perhaps the Vanguard Agency does have the means.”

leaned back on the sofa, her features alight

up, his eyes piercing into Vivienne. “Specter Healer, an identity of great interest to

did not respond, her

“Karen’s daughter,” Vance said.

flashed in Vivienne’s eyes, and the casual indifference vanished, replaced

you were not, I believe, acquainted,” Vivienne said calmly, her tone

mother was with the Vanguard Agency,

seek out friendships, so

Vivienne had

protégé, Percival, was someone Vivienne had barely met

her mother’s name, wanted to recruit her

Wishful thinking, indeed.

his wine glass and leaned forward. “I was not exactly close with Lark. Quite the opposite, we

sincerity, piquing Vivienne’s interest to

agency. She was stubborn, and so was I. We’d often butt heads, especially during a live exercise not long after she joined. Lark,

was ready to use a tranquilizer gun, but Lark would not have it. She insisted the hostage not be

mother telling her

Ashen Pigeon was Micah.

teach Vivienne that no matter what, one should never

oneself was crucial, between one’s safety and the hostage’s, the hostage must come first—that was

“I’d make sure never to get hurt if I were rescuing someone. I’d have the enemy hand them over willingly. Now that’s the best

warmly at that, her eyes filled with

“Back then, I was young and hot-headed. I didn’t see the point in Lark’s actions. I

that I finally understood. Your mother’s actions were what every operative should aspire to.”Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay

kept her gaze fixed on Vance. “So, what does this have to do

lowered his head, then lifted it again. “Vivienne, I know your mother passed all her knowledge to you. I want you to join the Vanguard