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

smile froze, and he straightened up, his eyes piercing into Vivienne. “Specter Healer, an identity of great interest to

not respond, her

“Karen’s daughter,” Vance said.

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

acquainted,” Vivienne said calmly, her tone laced

her mother was with the Vanguard Agency,

was naturally a loner, not one to seek

Vivienne had never heard of

had barely met in her

mother’s name, wanted to

Wishful thinking, indeed.

wine glass and leaned forward. “I was not exactly close

admission carried a hint of sincerity, piquing Vivienne’s

I were rivals from the moment she joined the agency. She was stubborn, and so was 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 have it. She insisted 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 matter what, one should never

wasn’t a compromise. Karen replied that while protecting oneself was crucial, between one’s safety and the hostage’s, the

Vivienne had confidently told her mother, “I’d make sure never to get hurt if I were rescuing

had laughed warmly at that,

in Lark’s actions. I thought that

mother’s actions were what every operative should aspire to.”Books Chapters

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

passed all her knowledge to you. I want you to join the Vanguard Agency, to carry on her legacy, and