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.”

even know who I am?” Vivienne leaned back on the sofa, her features alight with

up, his eyes piercing into Vivienne. “Specter Healer, an identity

did not respond, her gaze

“Karen’s daughter,” Vance said.

her mother’s name, a fierce glint flashed in Vivienne’s eyes, and the casual indifference vanished, replaced by

believe, acquainted,” Vivienne said calmly, her

far as she knew, when her mother was with the Vanguard Agency, her only real

mother was naturally a loner, not one to seek out friendships,

stories, Vivienne had never

her mother’s favorite protégé, Percival, was someone Vivienne had barely met

mother’s name, wanted to recruit her into the Vanguard

Wishful thinking, indeed.

“I was not exactly close with Lark. Quite the opposite, we

of sincerity, piquing Vivienne’s interest

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

the hostage not be harmed in any way. We argued, but ultimately, Ashen Pigeon sided with her, and I backed down. Lark took a risk, got herself injured, but managed to get the hostage out

mother

Ashen Pigeon was Micah.

purpose of sharing this story, Karen had said, was to teach Vivienne that no

between one’s safety

never to get hurt if I were rescuing someone. I’d have the

that, her eyes filled

in Lark’s actions. I thought that if you can’t guarantee your

finally understood. Your mother’s actions were what every operative should aspire

“So, what does this have to do

want you to join the Vanguard Agency, to carry on her legacy, and let