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 alight

“Specter Healer, an identity of great interest to

did not respond, her gaze

“Karen’s daughter,” Vance said.

eyes,

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

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

not one to seek

stories, Vivienne had never heard

someone Vivienne had barely met

her mother’s name, wanted to recruit her into

Wishful thinking, indeed.

set down his wine glass and leaned forward. “I was not exactly close with Lark. Quite

a hint of sincerity, piquing Vivienne’s interest to hear

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

was ready to use a tranquilizer gun, but Lark would not have it. She insisted the hostage not be harmed in any way. We argued, but ultimately, Ashen Pigeon sided with her, and I backed down. Lark took a risk, got herself injured, but managed to get the hostage

remembered her mother

Ashen Pigeon was Micah.

teach Vivienne that no matter what, one should never

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

fully understanding, Vivienne had confidently told her mother, “I’d make sure never to get hurt if I were rescuing someone. I’d have the enemy hand them over willingly. Now that’s the best

had laughed warmly at that, her eyes filled with

in Lark’s actions. I thought that if you can’t guarantee your own life, how can you protect the people or

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

Vance. “So, what does this have to do

I know your mother passed all her knowledge to you. I want you to join the Vanguard Agency, to carry on her legacy, and