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

roar of a motorbike came through the phone, and Percival paused,

of regret in her voice, Vivienne responded, “Yep, just outside. Came to pick you up after work, but it looks

warmly as he stepped out

staff at Vanguard Agency watched

into the deputy

seeing the deputy director smile is like seeing

quietly before

for one reason.

the stunned looks, Percival took Vivienne’s hand,

Vance called out

surprised to see Percival return so

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

sat across from Vance, her smile enigmatic.

no one else here. Just call me Uncle,” Vance

coffee. You must have something

formality, “Yes, the collaboration I have in mind is

before continuing, “You’re behind the famous Frostfire Intelligence Agency,

of Sea City

Edwards, the right price will get you the

need to dig into a cold case.

for a moment. A

and smiled. “A case

to a locked cabinet,

protects national security. We can’t dig into everything. And

mention of the ancient lineage caused a

the title

The Sheldon

her

the scarce information, which listed members

was a single name:

Beyond that, nothing.

Finnian,

case, or are you asking about Ulysses in particular?” Vivienne set

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

“Someone who’s been missing for seventy years might