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.”

Vivienne leaned back on the sofa, her

up, his eyes piercing into Vivienne. “Specter Healer, an identity of great interest to my

not respond, her gaze

“Karen’s daughter,” Vance said.

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

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

with the Vanguard Agency, her only

naturally a loner, not one to seek out friendships, so the term

stories, Vivienne had

was someone Vivienne had barely

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

Wishful thinking, indeed.

was not exactly close with Lark. Quite

hint of sincerity, piquing Vivienne’s interest to hear

She was stubborn, and so was I. We’d often butt heads, especially during a

to use a tranquilizer gun, but Lark would not have it. She insisted the hostage not be harmed in any way. We argued,

remembered her mother

Ashen Pigeon was Micah.

Vivienne that no matter what, one

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 someone. I’d have the enemy hand them over willingly. Now

at that, her eyes

“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

finally understood. Your mother’s actions were what every

fixed on Vance. “So, what does this have to do

it again. “Vivienne, I know your mother passed all her knowledge to you. I want you to join