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.”

I am?” Vivienne leaned back on

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

respond, her gaze

“Karen’s daughter,” Vance said.

flashed in Vivienne’s eyes, and the casual

acquainted,” Vivienne said calmly, her tone

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

naturally a loner, not one to seek

Vivienne had

Percival, was someone Vivienne had barely met in

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

Wishful thinking, indeed.

glass and leaned forward. “I was not exactly close with Lark.

admission carried a hint of sincerity, piquing Vivienne’s

moment 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 Pigeon, and I were assigned to the same squad, tasked

tranquilizer gun, but Lark would not have it. She insisted the hostage not be harmed in any

mother telling her

Ashen Pigeon was Micah.

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

protecting oneself was crucial, between one’s safety and the hostage’s,

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

warmly at that, her eyes filled

past, 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

I went undercover 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 Books

kept her gaze fixed on Vance. “So, what does this

head, 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