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

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

not respond,

“Karen’s daughter,” Vance said.

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

acquainted,” Vivienne said calmly, her tone laced with

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

loner, not one to seek out friendships, so

stories, Vivienne had never heard

was someone Vivienne had

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

Wishful thinking, indeed.

his wine glass and leaned forward. “I was not

admission carried a hint of sincerity, piquing Vivienne’s interest

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

would not have it. She insisted the hostage not be harmed in any way. We argued, but ultimately,

mother telling her

Ashen Pigeon was Micah.

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

that while protecting oneself was crucial, between

never to get hurt if I were rescuing someone. I’d have the enemy hand them over willingly. Now that’s

that, her eyes

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, how can you protect the people or

were what every operative should aspire to.”Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join

“So, what does

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