The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Dawn was barely breaking as Percival opened his eyes and reached for his phone to call Thomas.

Within minutes, Thomas arrived in his car and picked up the duo who had spent the night by the seaside.

“Where to, Percival?” Thomas did not ask why. He just did what he always did, taking care of what needed to be done.

Percival twirled a strand of Vivienne’s hair. “To the office.”

Vivienne yawned. “I’m heading back to crash.”

After dropping Vivienne off, Thomas drove to the company.

In the president’s office, someone was already waiting in silence.

Percival opened the door and greeted, “Boss.”

The man in the chair turned around, a custom-made cane in hand. “Long time, no see.”

Percival’s lips curved into a half-smile as he ushered Micah to the couch and poured him a cup of coffee. “How have you been?”

Micah did not ask much but casually chatted with Percival. “Pretty good, just eating and sleeping. I’ve been so lazy that I hardly want to get up and exercise. My legs are paying the price.”

Percival chuckled, responding briefly before asking, “Who’s Rover?”

Micah’s hand paused, a shadow flickering in his eyes, “Why do you ask?”

“Just curious,” Percival replied nonchalantly.

Micah hesitated for a moment before setting down his coffee cup, “Percival, I know you don’t trust anyone in the agency right now, but I can assure you, Rover is solid. He’s someone I deeply respect, as did your mentor Lark and Vance, too.”

Percival frowned subtly.

Such high praise from Micah meant Vance had not lied.

Rover was a deep well.

“Who is he?” Percival pressed.

one was your mentor, Lark, and the other was Rover. They dragged me off the battlefield

a realm within the Vanguard Agency that even

not push further. He would

his demeanor changing in an instant. “When will you be returning to

you possibly have for me, you

chairman of the Ellington Group.” Percival smiled, continuing their casual

time they had chatted so freely was

up, leaning on his cane. “Alright, I’m heading back to work today.

said as he saw

head, not letting Percival walk him out any further than

you’ll be fighting alone. The road ahead

firmly, remembering Micah’s words when he had joined the team—From now on,

fighting side by

was the one who pushed for your promotion. Now that you’re parting ways with the agency, you should visit

“Understood.”

him out. He stood in the office, watching Micah take the elevator down until the doors

alone, Percival sat back in his chair,

Vivienne’s sleepy voice came through

“Still not up?”

offering to treat me to a beef stew, I’ll

you say. But before that, I think you’ll be

of rustling came from the

Linklater family!”

up with a

The Linklater family!

Vesper!

that the name Vesper Linklater was just a stage name

Hannah were all picked at random

would never choose a surname associated with high status or power in Rivenwood.

she had

of

family was not a commercial dynasty like the

military family since time immemorial, their history rich with honor and prestige. As years turned into centuries, they adopted an increasingly understated approach to their public presence. So much so that when the Four

a Linklater stepped into the light, they captured the

up to remained a mystery to the outside world, but the respect they commanded was unmatched.Books Chapters Are