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.

Vivienne called.

she said, her voice urgent. “I’m on my

but before he could reply, Vivienne hung

arrived in no time, and they went straight

and had no

lot lately, huh?” Vance stood, inviting them to sit on the

name ‘Rover’, your boss, right?” Vivienne

furrowed slightly. “What are you

outwardly, inside, he was shocked. Vivienne had uncovered the code name ‘Rover’ – something even Percival, deep in the ranks of Vanguard Agency,

not to be

be retired now. Yet, he can still pull strings to save your skin, giving you a ‘get out of jail free’ card.

hardened as he faced Vivienne with a solemn expression as if he was ready to silence her anytime. “What exactly

of Vivienne, his hand reaching for his

investigate Ulysses, sabotaged the Martinez family through Leopold, and now you want to use me to get close to the Perez family – all to get to the ancient warrior

dropped the

admitted, leaning back on the sofa.

not respond, which Vance took

can’t handle 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

was visibly agitated, his

had any connection to that

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

eyes. Of course, she had looked

he said, without any apparent cause. They

and his daughter Ashley away from any dealings related to the Edwards family business all these years. Even Melissa was kept in the dark about