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,

an identity of great interest to my upper echelons. But I’m only interested in one

respond, her

“Karen’s daughter,” Vance said.

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

I believe, acquainted,” Vivienne said calmly, her

knew, when her mother was with the

naturally a loner, not one to seek

stories, Vivienne had never heard of anyone

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

wanted to recruit her into the Vanguard

Wishful thinking, indeed.

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

of sincerity, piquing Vivienne’s

the agency. She was stubborn, and so was I. We’d often butt heads, especially during a live exercise not

have it. She insisted the hostage not be

her mother telling

Ashen Pigeon was Micah.

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

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

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

at that, her eyes

Vance rubbed his cheek. “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 own life,

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

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

then lifted it again. “Vivienne, I know your mother passed all her knowledge to you. I want you to join the Vanguard Agency, to carry on her