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 you

through

voice, Vivienne responded, “Yep, just outside. Came to pick you up after work, but it looks like you’re

he

remaining staff at Vanguard Agency

gotten into the

deputy director smile is like seeing a

quietly

for one reason. These colleagues of

the stunned looks, Percival took Vivienne’s hand, and they

called out upon

to see Percival return

too modest, Percival,” Vance said with a

enigmatic. “When Mr. Edwards summons,

here. Just call me Uncle,” Vance

cup, inhaling the aroma, “Lovely coffee. You must have something complex in mind for

persistent formality, “Yes,

before continuing, “You’re behind the famous Frostfire Intelligence Agency, aren’t

of Sea City Vanguard Agency, it was

to know, Mr. Edwards, the right price will

to dig into a cold

for a

looked up and smiled. “A case that even Vanguard Agency

locked cabinet, retrieving an

Agency protects national security. We can’t dig into everything. And this case involves an ancient

of the ancient lineage caused a flicker in

file, and the title alone weighed heavily

The

her mentor’s

listed members of the

red, was a single name:

Beyond that, nothing.

was Finnian,

on this cold case, or are you asking about Ulysses in particular?” Vivienne set the file down, her bright eyes searching Vance’s, revealing

returned. “You’re sharp as ever. Indeed, it’s Ulysses I want you to

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