The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Percival presented his ID to the guard, who scanned it and did a visible double-take. A newfound respect tinged with puzzlement washed over his face as he looked up at Percival again.

“Deputy Director, please come inside.” The guard swung the wrought-iron gate open, watching as Percival strode through.

Vivienne glanced back, slightly taken aback that even the gatekeeper seemed deeply enmeshed with the Vanguard Agency.

And more so, he recognized Percival’s rank.

Once inside the estate, it was a further ten-minute drive before Percival parked the car.

Stepping out alongside Percival, Vivienne was met with two individuals approaching, each holding a sleek, black satchel that housed the latest model of detection devices – the one Griffin had invented.

These devices had not even hit the market yet, and here, the Linklater security team each had one in hand.

“Apologies, but we’ll need to collect all electronic devices, including cell phones and cameras.”

Percival nonchalantly tossed his phone, wallet, and even his wristwatch into one of the satchels.

Spreading his arms, he allowed the security personnel to sweep their detectors over him.

Vivienne followed suit, her watch joining Percival’s belongings in the bag.

After the check, Percival took Vivienne’s hand, and, led by one of the guards, they finally entered the main hall of the Linklater estate.

Navigating through the corridors, Vivienne glimpsed a grand staircase leading up to the Linklaters’ living quarters.

She sighed silently.

The security measures were nearly as stringent as airport checks, minus the conveyor belt and x-ray machine.

Percival squeezed her hand and whispered, audible only to the two of them, “Yorick’s got his rules, but he’s nice. No need to worry. Not the boogeyman type.”

Vivienne chuckled, “Good to hear he’s not the boogeyman, or we’d be surrounded by them.”

shared smile, they continued

who came out to greet them

“Vivienne, it’s you two.”

It was Diana.

surprise, not expecting to

father’s goddaughter, Vivienne Hawthorn, and her fiancé, Percival Ellington. Vivienne, Dracon Linklater and I were college buddies. We’re here visiting Yorick today. Your grandfather even specially mentioned I spend some extra

words were loaded

College buddies, especially mentioned.

it be that Jasper intended for Diana to forge a bond with

that Jasper and

stepped forward, shaking Percival’s hand. “You must be Percival Ellington. My father speaks of

gaze dropped, sensing, perhaps mistakenly,

least acknowledge

could not help but inwardly sigh at the prospect

see Yorick today, and I apologize for any inconvenience. Is he available?” Percival’s tone was

respected Yorick and, by extension, treated his

is, but it’s not a good time. My father’s not feeling well,” Dracon

concern.

He’s not been well since a cold he caught a few days back,” Dracon replied, leading Percival towards the parlor,

closely, and though they did not speak,

did the doctors say

the implication is that my father might be bedridden from

Percival’s face was as palpable

Percival’s distress, she was willing to offer her help to

to have a look at Yorick. Maybe I can help,” Vivienne said, her tone

“You? Specter Healer? Such a young

for Percival’s sake, but Dracon’s response left her

and Karen, she would not have

lifted her gaze to Dracon, her eyes narrowing, a chill emanating

had called

formally introduced herself to the Linklaters, but somehow, Dracon had already pegged her

realizing that her title must’ve come up in