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?”

couch. “Before I took this position, I was given a mission. My superiors wanted me to secure the bioweapon research from the Martinez family to let Vanguard Agency develop it. With your years here, you

is the core of the Vanguard Agency itself. While complementary, their roles differ. Now, we’re looking to merge the ancient warrior lineage

laugh escaped Percival. “Since when did Vanguard

but orders

“Which top brass? I want a

bluntly. “This is beyond me. If you want to save Leopold, you’ll have to deal with the ancient warrior lineage. I’m

that ended up on the market, and now this heist? You seem quite adept

was stunned for a moment. “I admit I took ‘Morning Glory’ from Griffin for this cause, but how did it

suspicion deepened. Vance’s reaction did not seem

‘Morning Glory’ ended

Which market exactly did ‘Morning Glory’ end up? Is

You’re just the executor, right?”

so-called top brass, Percival

…

The Perez Mansion.

Vivienne had just arrived.

were sparring in the yard when they noticed her. Maddox grinned, “Hey, niece, come judge for us. Loser takes out the

watching from the sidelines, noticed Vivienne’s troubled expression. “Zelda, Diana, take

up on the tension, Zelda scooped up

leaving, Diana cast a worried glance back at Vivienne, concerned

fell silent as Maddox and Yuri’s playful bout came to an

“Vivienne, what’s the matter?”

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

could act recklessly to save Leopold, but that was

senior, she had to do everything in her power to help him within

is no trifling matter. How can you be so certain your junior is