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.”

they continued into the Linklater

came out to greet them was a

“Vivienne, it’s you two.”

It was Diana.

not

my father’s goddaughter, Vivienne Hawthorn, and her fiancé, Percival Ellington. Vivienne, Dracon Linklater and I were college buddies. We’re here visiting Yorick

were loaded

College buddies, especially mentioned.

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

also apparent that Jasper and Yorick were old

“You must be Percival Ellington. My father speaks of

perhaps mistakenly,

least acknowledge her presence, yet he bypassed her to greet

help but inwardly sigh at the prospect of yet

and I are here to see Yorick today, and I apologize for any inconvenience. Is he

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

is, but it’s not a good time. My

brows furrowed with concern. “What’s wrong with

caught a few days back,” Dracon replied,

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

doctors say about Yorick’s

might be bedridden from here on out. The injuries from his youth are catching up to

on Percival’s face was as

to get involved, but seeing Percival’s distress, she was willing to offer her help to Mr.

Linklater, I have some medical knowledge. If it’s okay with you, I’d like to have a look at Yorick. Maybe I can help,”

gaze hardened as he surveyed her, “You? Specter Healer?

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

would

her gaze to Dracon, her eyes

had called her

formally introduced herself to the Linklaters, but somehow,

glance at Diana, realizing that her title must’ve come up in