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 with a unique

piercing into Vivienne. “Specter Healer, an identity of great interest to my upper echelons. But I’m only interested in one

did not respond, her gaze

“Karen’s daughter,” Vance said.

fierce glint flashed in Vivienne’s eyes, and the casual indifference vanished, replaced

acquainted,” Vivienne said calmly, her tone laced with an

as she knew, when her mother was with the

loner, not one to seek out friendships, so the

her mother’s stories, Vivienne had never heard of anyone

mother’s favorite protégé, Percival, was someone Vivienne had barely met in her childhood, barely remembering

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

Wishful thinking, indeed.

set down his wine glass and leaned forward. “I was not exactly close with Lark. Quite the opposite, we were

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

the agency. She was stubborn, and so was I. We’d often butt heads, especially during a live

not be harmed in any way. We argued, but ultimately, Ashen Pigeon sided with her, and

her mother telling

Ashen Pigeon was Micah.

Karen had said, was to teach Vivienne that no matter what, one should

was crucial, between one’s safety and the hostage’s, the hostage must come first—that was the creed of a Vanguard Agency

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

that, her eyes

the past, Vance rubbed his cheek. “Back then, I was young and hot-headed. I didn’t see the point in Lark’s actions.

undercover that I finally understood. Your mother’s actions were what every operative should

gaze fixed on Vance. “So, what does this

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