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.”

you even know who I am?” Vivienne leaned back

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

not respond, her gaze

“Karen’s daughter,” Vance said.

her mother’s name, a fierce glint flashed in Vivienne’s eyes, and the

and you were not, I believe, acquainted,” Vivienne said calmly, her tone laced with an enigmatic

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

one to seek out friendships, so the term ‘friend’ applied to very

had never heard of anyone besides

favorite protégé, Percival, was someone Vivienne had barely met in her childhood, barely remembering

her mother’s name, wanted to

Wishful thinking, indeed.

set down his wine glass and leaned forward. “I was

hint of sincerity, piquing Vivienne’s interest

I. We’d often butt heads, especially during a live exercise not long after she joined. Lark, Ashen Pigeon, and I were assigned to the same squad, tasked

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

remembered her mother telling her this

Ashen Pigeon was Micah.

sharing this story, Karen had said, was to teach Vivienne that no matter what, one

getting injured wasn’t a compromise. Karen replied that while protecting oneself was crucial, between one’s safety and the hostage’s, the hostage must come first—that was the creed of a Vanguard Agency

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

at that,

past, Vance rubbed his cheek. “Back then, I was young and hot-headed. I didn’t see the point in Lark’s actions. I thought that if you can’t guarantee your own life,

understood. Your mother’s actions were what every operative should aspire to.”Books Chapters Are Daily Updated

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

head, then lifted it again. “Vivienne, I know your mother passed all her knowledge to you. I want you to join the Vanguard Agency, to carry on her legacy, and let me look after you—as a way to