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.”

back on the

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

did not respond, her gaze dropping

“Karen’s daughter,” Vance said.

flashed in Vivienne’s eyes, and the casual

believe, acquainted,” Vivienne said calmly, her tone laced

knew, when her mother was with the Vanguard Agency, her only

seek out friendships,

mother’s stories, Vivienne had

someone Vivienne had barely met in her

invoking her mother’s name, wanted

Wishful thinking, indeed.

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

sincerity, piquing

heads, especially during a

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

her mother telling

Ashen Pigeon was Micah.

Vivienne that no matter what,

that while protecting oneself was crucial, between one’s

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

at that, her eyes filled

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

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

gaze fixed on Vance. “So, what does this have to do

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