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.”

smile, they continued into the Linklater

came out to greet them

“Vivienne, it’s you two.”

It was Diana.

not expecting to

Vivienne Hawthorn, and her fiancé, Percival Ellington. Vivienne, Dracon Linklater and I were college buddies. We’re here

words were loaded

College buddies, especially mentioned.

that Jasper intended for Diana to forge a bond

was also apparent that Jasper and Yorick were old

be Percival Ellington. My father speaks of

mistakenly, that Dracon was deliberately overlooking

that Dracon should at least acknowledge her presence, yet he bypassed her to greet

could not help but inwardly sigh

and I are here to see Yorick today, and I apologize for any

clear that Percival genuinely respected Yorick and, by extension, treated his family

time. My father’s not feeling well,” Dracon said

concern.

issues flaring up. He’s not been well since a cold he caught a few days back,” Dracon replied, leading Percival towards the parlor, never once glancing at

Dracon closely, and though they did not speak, their movements were in sync, suggesting

say about Yorick’s illness?”

his head. “They didn’t say much, but the implication is that my father might be bedridden from here on out. The injuries from his youth

on Percival’s face was as palpable as when Richard fell

not wanted to get involved, but seeing Percival’s distress,

you, I’d like to have a look

“You? Specter Healer?

spoken up for Percival’s sake,

Yorick were not so esteemed by Percival and Karen, she would not have offered help even if he were dying before

gaze to Dracon, her eyes narrowing,

Dracon had

Linklaters, but somehow,

realizing that her title must’ve come up in conversation more than a