The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

At the headquarters of Rivenwood Vanguard Agency.

Percival nudged open the door to the director’s office. “You wanted to see me, Vance?”

Vance gestured towards the chair across from his desk. “Take a seat, Percival.”

Percival squinted slightly before complying, settling into the chair facing Vance.

“What’s Vivienne been up to lately?” Vance casually flipped through the documents on his desk as he inquired.

Percival lifted his gaze, his tone airy. “Vance, should I be concerned that you’re taking an interest in my fiancée?”

Vance shot him a look, chuckling. “No need for that. My romance is quite blissful.”

The joke did little to amuse Percival, who mainly remained expressionless.

Vance snapped the folder shut and looked up. “Can you ask Vivienne to swing by HQ? I’ve got a rather pressing matter, and I’d like to discuss a potential partnership with her.”

Percival’s eyes flickered. “What kind of partnership?”

Vance’s smile persisted, “That’s something I don’t think I need to share with you.”

His stance was clear: even though Percival was Vivienne’s betrothed, Vance preferred to approach her directly with this matter.

Percival’s lips curled into a slight smile. “Alright then.”

With that, Percival stood and left.

Vance watched him go, the smile slowly fading from his face.

Back in his own office, Percival dialed Vivienne.

“Vivienne, he’s looking to collaborate. Didn’t say on what.”

Vivienne’s laughter filtered through, “Vance loves his mysteries, but what’s the point? It’ll come out eventually.”

Percival’s smile broadened. “This seems different from the last time. Want to come over?”

“Sure, I’m on my way. I’ve got a few questions for him myself, like where on earth he’s sent Leopold.”

pick

through the phone, and Percival paused,

Vivienne responded, “Yep, just outside. Came to pick you up after

he stepped

staff at Vanguard

had gotten into

deputy director smile

glanced up quietly before looking

one reason.

Vivienne’s hand,

out upon

to see Percival return so soon with Vivienne

quick. You’re too modest, Percival,” Vance said with a smile, standing to

enigmatic. “When Mr. Edwards

here. Just call me Uncle,” Vance offered

must have something complex in mind for such hospitality, Mr.

raised his eyebrows at her persistent formality, “Yes, the collaboration I have in

paused before continuing, “You’re behind the famous

the director of Sea

to know, Mr. Edwards, the right price will get you

out a laugh. “I need to dig into a cold case. Name your

for a

case that

walked to a locked cabinet,

And this case involves an

of the ancient lineage caused a flicker in

the file, and the title alone weighed heavily

0404: The

Sheldons, her

which listed members of the Sheldon family

highlighted in red, was a single name: Ulysses,

Beyond that, nothing.

was Finnian,

cold case, or are you asking about Ulysses in particular?” Vivienne set the file down, her bright eyes

ever. Indeed, it’s

the couch, her gaze growing heavy and skeptical. “Someone who’s been missing for seventy years might