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

Healer, an identity of great interest to my upper

did not respond, her gaze

“Karen’s daughter,” Vance said.

eyes, and the casual indifference vanished, replaced

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

knew, when her mother was with the Vanguard Agency, her only real ally

one to seek out

mother’s stories, Vivienne had never heard of anyone

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

invoking her mother’s name, wanted to

Wishful thinking, indeed.

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

carried a hint of sincerity, piquing Vivienne’s interest to hear

butt heads, especially during a live exercise not long after she joined. Lark, Ashen Pigeon, and I were

ready to use a tranquilizer gun, but Lark would 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

mother telling

Ashen Pigeon was Micah.

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

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

told her mother, “I’d make sure never to get hurt if I were rescuing someone. I’d have the enemy hand them

laughed warmly at that, her eyes filled

point in Lark’s actions.

Your mother’s actions were what every

“So, what does this

knowledge to you. I want you to join the Vanguard Agency, to carry on her