The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

The phone connected almost instantly.

Percival’s voice cut through the line with a chill, “This is Deputy Director Percival of Rivenwood Vanguard Agency headquarters. My third squad leader, Leopold, is currently detained at a military prison and is set for trial tomorrow morning. I’m requesting a delay in the trial. Director Vance has unanswered questions. I repeat, postpone Leopold’s trial. Director Vance has unanswered questions!”

Without waiting for a response, Percival sharply ended the call and whipped out his tablet to connect with the Sea City main office.

If Leopold was still on the docket for trial tomorrow, Percival would not hesitate to storm the military prison himself.

The message was sent to the public channel, clear for all of Vanguard Agency to see.

Outrage rippled through the ranks.

Leopold was merely carrying out orders from the higher-ups, and now they wanted to let him take the fall? That was not going to fly.

If this was how things were going to be, who would lay their life on the line for Vanguard Agency?

The collective anger forced the main office to reschedule Leopold’s trial hastily and mute all agents on the public channel to prevent further uproar.

But the cat was out of the bag, and the situation was spiraling beyond control. Whether it was the main office or Vance himself, somebody had to give an explanation.

“Percival, is it worth risking your career over this?” Vance asked.

Percival’s face remained stoic as he pocketed his tablet. “I’ve never cared about my career,” he replied sharply.

He sank into a chair and pulled out his phone to text Vivienne, updating her on Leopold’s predicament.

Then, eyes fixed on Vance, he pressed on, “I’ve got plenty of time, Vance. Ready to spill the beans yet?”

the Martinez family to let Vanguard Agency develop it. With your years here, you should know that one of the two factions within the agency is linked

Now, we’re looking to merge the

“Since when did Vanguard

the notion himself. “I know it’s wrong, but orders are orders.

top brass? I want

me. If you want to save Leopold, you’ll have to

ended up on

was stunned for a moment. “I admit I took ‘Morning Glory’ from Griffin for

reaction did

that ‘Morning Glory’ ended up aboard the Ashford family’s

expression grew tense. “Clarify your statement. Which market exactly did ‘Morning Glory’ end up?

ask your superiors. You’re just the executor, right?”

not reveal the so-called top brass, Percival would find

…

The Perez Mansion.

Vivienne had just arrived.

Yuri were sparring in the yard when they noticed her. Maddox grinned, “Hey,

was watching from the sidelines, noticed Vivienne’s troubled

Zelda scooped up Natalia,

cast a worried glance back at Vivienne, concerned about

and Yuri’s playful bout came to an

“Vivienne, what’s the matter?”

up in Sea City’s military prison. I could pull strings to get him out, but that’s not the way he’d want this handled. That’s why I’m here, to ask for your help,” Vivienne said, her

save Leopold, but that was not what he would

senior, she had to do everything in her power to

concern. “Kid, this is no trifling matter. How can you be so certain your junior is innocent?”Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books