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

froze, and he straightened up, his eyes piercing into Vivienne. “Specter Healer, an identity of great interest to my upper echelons. But I’m only interested in one

did not respond, her

“Karen’s daughter,” Vance said.

eyes, and the casual indifference

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

was with the Vanguard Agency, her only real ally had

mother was naturally a loner, not one to seek out friendships, so

Vivienne had never

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

mother’s name, wanted to recruit

Wishful thinking, indeed.

and leaned forward. “I was not

hint of sincerity,

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

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 risk,

her mother telling her

Ashen Pigeon was Micah.

purpose of sharing this story, Karen had said, was to teach Vivienne that no matter what, one should never compromise their principles to

was crucial, between one’s safety and the hostage’s, the hostage

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

that, her eyes filled with

see the point in

undercover that I finally understood. Your mother’s actions were what every operative should aspire to.”Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join &

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

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