The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

The phone at the main office of Vanguard Agency in Sea City rang.

“Percival, do you have any idea what you’ve done? If this undermines our troops’ morale, can you handle the consequences?”

The person questioning Percival was Director Webster, the director of Vanguard Agency’s main office and Vance’s immediate boss.

Percival’s response was cool and indifferent. “So letting my guys get shot for no good reason doesn’t affect morale?”

Webster let out a heavy sigh. “If you have a grievance, you take it up with the agency. How can you just take matters into your own hands? Leopold’s case has been decided.”

“And who’s Vance’s direct superior? He assigned this mission. Shouldn’t he be the one to give us an explanation?” Percival was tired of beating around the bush with Webster.

It was the same old song and dance, not solving anything. If Webster was calling personally, it meant he was not involved.

That left the bigwig behind the scenes – someone even Webster had to treat with kid gloves.

“I know you’ve got beef with Vance, and yes, he gave Leopold the order, but someone’s got his back. The main office has warned him sternly, and he’s cut off from ever returning to the main office. For his career, that’s a dead end. You’re young, Percival. Think before you act.”

Realizing Webster was dodging the real issue, Percival snapped back, “If I don’t get an explanation, I’ll come to the main office myself.”

“You…” Webster sighed again, playing dumb. “Whatever is going on, it’s above your pay grade. Just help Vance manage things in Rivenwood and focus on GTO. GTO’s been quiet; stay sharp. That’s all.”

With that, Webster hung up.

Percival gripped the receiver, a storm brewing in his eyes, swearing that he would drag the person behind this into the light one day.

He had a gut feeling that this person was tied to the traitor within Vanguard Agency.

called. Percival picked

warrior lineage,” she said, her voice

before he

in no time, and they went straight

mid-call with Webster, saw Vivienne and Percival and had no choice but to

like we’re meeting each other a lot lately, huh?” Vance stood, inviting them to sit on the

right?” Vivienne sat down, her arched eyebrow

“What are you getting

had uncovered the code name ‘Rover’ – something even Percival, deep in the ranks of Vanguard Agency, could

were not to be

any other branch. He must be retired now. Yet, he can still pull strings to save your

as if he was ready

front of Vivienne, his hand reaching for his gun as a warning to Vance. “Don’t move another

Vivienne calmly pushed Percival’s hand away, unafraid of Vance’s threats. “You had Frostfire Intelligence Agency investigate Ulysses, sabotaged the Martinez family through Leopold, and now you want to use me to get close to the

Vance dropped

warrior lineage,” Vance admitted, leaning back on the sofa. “Vivienne, Ulysses is

which Vance took

the curse of the Mystic Vein anymore. The Sheldon family’s massacre had nothing to do with us, yet we’re the ones suffering the consequences. How is

was visibly agitated, his hands

him closely, wondering if Vance’s hunt for the ancient warrior lineage had any connection to that call he made

the Edwards family. A little digging and you’d know that none of the Edwards ever met a good end,” Vance said, his gaze dropping. “Including my folks. They died in agony, and not even the top doctors in the world could pin down why. It’s

Of course, she had looked

cause. They deteriorated rapidly, and by the time they passed, their

all these years. Even Melissa was kept in