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.”

Vivienne leaned back on the sofa, her features alight with a

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

respond,

“Karen’s daughter,” Vance said.

mother’s name, a fierce glint flashed in Vivienne’s eyes, and the

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

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

seek out friendships, so the term ‘friend’ applied to

Vivienne had never heard

had barely met in

name, wanted to recruit her into the

Wishful thinking, indeed.

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

carried a hint of sincerity, piquing Vivienne’s interest

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

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

remembered her mother telling her this

Ashen Pigeon was Micah.

teach Vivienne that no matter what,

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

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

had laughed warmly at that, her eyes filled with

recounting the 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 can’t guarantee your own

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

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

you to join