The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Percival grinned with a hint of mischief. “Looking to delve into the secrets of the ancient warrior lineages, are you? Well, I’m your guy. I’ll be your greatest asset.”

Vance placed the business card on the table, his finger tapping over the name Mr. Percy, and asked with a serious tone, “So, you trust me now?”

Doubts about his alleged betrayal of the Vanguard Agency had always gnawed at him.

He did harbor ulterior motives, sure, but staining his hands with betrayal? That was a line he would not cross.

Percival’s lips curved slightly. “Your obsession is solely with the ancient warrior lineages.”

Vance fell silent, mulling over his options.

An alliance with Percival could indeed clear the fog shrouding the mysteries of the ancient warrior lineages.

But trust was not on the table, and their partnership was fraught with peril.

Now, cut off from the Agency’s mainframe, he was blind to the secrets he sought. He needed an external ally.

“Why help me?” Vance finally asked.

Percival lowered his gaze briefly, then met Vance’s eyes. “Your fixation with the ancient warrior lineages runs deep. I’d rather assist you now than risk others exploiting you later.”

The insinuation stung Vance like a slap across the face.

“So, you and Vivienne still suspect I might betray the Agency!”

Percival did not deny it. “In my eyes, you were never the saint.”

Vance was momentarily lost for words.

Indeed, in his pursuit of the truth behind the ancient warrior lineages, he had strayed from his initial path.

Conscience had become a distant echo, fading with time.

“And yet you choose to work with me. Aren’t you afraid I might double-cross you?” Vance asked.

“You gave Leopold an out. That’s the second reason I’m willing to gamble on you,” Percival replied with a smirk.

Vance had ensured Leopold took the fall, yes, but had also arranged for his survival and, in the shadows, safeguarded Griffin, proving her innocence.

he was not

made up your

next week, or our deal is off,” Percival demanded, standing to

wherever you are, whatever you do, don’t

twinge of deep reluctance flickered across

be a Vanguard Agency operative. Their ties would

later, he left without looking back, closing a chapter

waves through the Rivenwood

in disbelief—how could their deputy director resign so

Soren, who seemed to question his own existence, bombarding Leopold for

don’t know why

not fathom Percival leaving the organization they had aspired to enter since their

don’t know! Cut it out!”

exploded into a scuffle, which Thomas and

“Enough!” Thomas bellowed.

Thomas. “And you? As his assistant, you must know

know? I got the news at the same time

you guys stop? As the team leader and commander, shouldn’t

to gather the troops and Leopold and Soren attending to

Percival drove to Vivienne’s place, arriving leisurely at the foot of her apartment

motorcycle’s engine as

wind!” She called out,

their

his car, methodically unbuttoning his tailored suit jacket and

with one hand, and, with a little effort,

Percival’s sleek look was surprisingly in harmony

tight,” he said, revving the engine and fixing his gaze on the road

his sturdy frame, resting her

were

rode aimlessly, the motorcycle’s roar

wind grew louder, and the taillights ahead fewer as they sped

glow that battled the creeping

pulled the motorcycle to a halt on a deserted beach, where the

one foot still grounded, and removed his

her hand finding Percival’s, cool to

out into the vast, dark expanse of