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.”

leaned back on the sofa, her features

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

respond,

“Karen’s daughter,” Vance said.

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

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

her mother was with the Vanguard Agency,

one to seek

stories, Vivienne had

someone Vivienne had barely met in her childhood,

name, wanted to recruit

Wishful thinking, indeed.

glass and leaned forward. “I was not exactly close

sincerity, piquing

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

Lark would not have it. She insisted the hostage not be harmed in any way. We

her mother telling her

Ashen Pigeon was Micah.

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

Karen replied that while protecting oneself was crucial, between one’s safety and the hostage’s, the hostage must come first—that was the creed of a Vanguard

make sure never to get hurt if I were rescuing someone. I’d have the enemy hand them over willingly.

laughed warmly at that,

his cheek. “Back then, I was young and hot-headed. I didn’t see the point in

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

on Vance. “So, what does

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 legacy, and let me look after you—as a way to make amends for my