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.”

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

his eyes piercing into Vivienne. “Specter Healer, an identity of great interest to my upper echelons. But I’m only

respond, her gaze dropping

“Karen’s daughter,” Vance said.

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

I believe, acquainted,” Vivienne said

as she knew, when her mother was with the

seek out friendships, so the

stories, Vivienne had never heard

someone Vivienne had barely met in her

now Vance, invoking her mother’s name, wanted to

Wishful thinking, indeed.

“I was not exactly close

of sincerity,

I. We’d often butt heads, especially during a live exercise not long after she joined. Lark, Ashen

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

her mother

Ashen Pigeon was Micah.

to teach Vivienne that no matter what, one should never compromise their

asked if 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

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

had laughed 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 thought that if you can’t guarantee your

not until I went undercover that I finally understood. Your mother’s actions were what every operative should aspire to.”Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All

“So,

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 make