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,

smile froze, and he straightened up, his eyes piercing into Vivienne. “Specter Healer, an identity of great interest to my upper echelons. But

not respond, her gaze

“Karen’s daughter,” Vance said.

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

were not, I believe, acquainted,” Vivienne said calmly, her tone laced with an enigmatic

knew, when her mother was with

to seek out friendships, so the term ‘friend’

stories, Vivienne had never heard of anyone

Vivienne had barely met in her childhood, barely

mother’s name, wanted to recruit her

Wishful thinking, indeed.

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

of sincerity, piquing Vivienne’s interest to

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

hostage not be harmed in any way. We argued, but ultimately, Ashen Pigeon

mother

Ashen Pigeon was Micah.

that no matter what,

getting injured wasn’t a compromise. Karen replied that while protecting oneself was crucial, between one’s

mother, “I’d make sure never to get hurt if I were rescuing

at that, her eyes filled

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, how can you protect the

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

“So, what does this have to

join the Vanguard