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 on the sofa, her features

piercing into Vivienne. “Specter Healer, an identity of great interest to my

did not respond, her gaze dropping

“Karen’s daughter,” Vance said.

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

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

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

naturally a loner, not one to seek

stories, Vivienne had never

Percival, was someone Vivienne had barely met in

name, wanted to recruit her into the

Wishful thinking, indeed.

leaned forward. “I was not exactly close with Lark. Quite the

sincerity, piquing Vivienne’s interest

during a live exercise not long after she joined. Lark, Ashen Pigeon, and I were assigned to the same squad, tasked with

unharmed. I was ready to use a tranquilizer gun, but Lark would not have it. She insisted the hostage not be

remembered her mother telling her

Ashen Pigeon was Micah.

was to teach Vivienne that no matter what, one should never compromise their principles to

a compromise. Karen replied that while protecting oneself was crucial, between one’s safety and the hostage’s, the hostage must

hurt if I were rescuing someone. I’d have the

had laughed warmly at that, her eyes filled with

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 people

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

kept her gaze fixed on Vance. “So, what

her knowledge to you. I want you to join the Vanguard Agency, to carry on her legacy, and let me look