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

came through

responded, “Yep, just outside. Came to pick

chuckled warmly as he stepped out to greet

staff at Vanguard

gotten into

smile is like seeing a

Anna glanced up quietly before looking

like this for one reason. These colleagues of mine,

hand, and they headed to

out upon hearing

up, surprised to see Percival return

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

her smile enigmatic. “When Mr. Edwards summons, I

Just call me Uncle,” Vance offered as

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

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

the famous Frostfire

all, as the director of Sea City Vanguard Agency,

right. Whatever you need to know, Mr. Edwards,

“I need to

a moment. A

“A case that even

to a locked cabinet, retrieving

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

mention of the ancient lineage caused a flicker

file, and the title alone weighed

The

her

scarce information, which listed members of the

was

Beyond that, nothing.

Finnian, her

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

Indeed, it’s

and skeptical. “Someone who’s been missing