The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Dracon hesitated, the words on the tip of his tongue dying before they could be born. He had no choice but to heed Yorick’s command.

Diana didn’t even offer a word of concern before Dracon led her out.

Yorick glanced at Percival, then at Vivienne by his side, his gaze softening with a touch of tenderness. “My dear, how old are you now?”

“Twenty,” Vivienne replied.

Her twentieth birthday had passed, but she had never been one to celebrate. Birthdays always reminded her of her mother.

Thus, when Mr. Wolf suggested throwing her a birthday bash, she declined.

But she decided future birthdays could be celebrated.

The thought of all the years gone by without her mother’s homemade strawberry cheesecake made her blood boil! All because Karen faked her death! From now on, she swore to indulge in strawberry cheesecake on her birthdays until she couldn’t take another bite!

Despite her disdain for Dracon, she held a fondness for Yorick.

She felt an indescribable familiarity in Yorick, just like the first time she met Jasper.

Yorick clicked his tongue. “Putting up with this sourpuss for a boyfriend must be tough on you.”

Vivienne chuckled. “It’s not so bad; Mr. Wolf treats me well.”

“A face like a block of ice, and you say he treats you well? Child, if that boy ever gives you trouble, you come straight to me. I’ll make sure he regrets it,” Yorick said with a deepening smile, his eyes shining with affection for Vivienne.

Percival could only sigh to himself.

No matter the company, when Vivienne was around, he might as well have been invisible.

Well, he mused, who could blame him for being willingly outshone by her?

“Thank you, Mr. Yorick. But Mr. Wolf wouldn’t dare. He knows he can’t outmatch me,” Vivienne said, not realizing she was becoming more talkative in Yorick’s company.

a bit more chatter, Yorick finally turned his

let out a deep sigh, “I thought the next time I saw

Director reflected

him

head slightly. “I’m sorry to

beside the point. You young folks have your own paths, and

faint smile

at Vanguard Agency for a while now. I don’t know many of the new faces, so I can’t offer much help. But

help but laugh. “Seems Vivienne holds more

course, she and I hit it off from the start, unlike you,” Yorick replied, giving Vivienne another meaningful glance. “My dear,

a member of the special squad known as Lark.

surprised, “You’re Lark’s

then that the Linklater that Karen had mentioned must be none

scrutinized Vivienne closely, then nodded in affirmation. “Yes, you resemble her. I always thought you looked familiar. I once hoped to have

Yorick’s

alone her grandfather, so she felt there

Yorick,

no Vesper in the Linklater

you, Mr. Yorick. I got it.” Vivienne

spending a little more time with Yorick, Vivienne and Percival took their

checked Yorick’s pulse and noticed a mole

extraordinary, but because she

left, Dracon returned with Diana to

Diana

mine has a few good years left to

were

quickly bid

was gone, Yorick’s smile

waiting for so long. Why did you send

keep your distance from Diana. That girl… she’s a wild card,” Yorick

advice but knew better

Diana. You guys need to stop looking at her through those judgmental glasses just because she’s adopted,” grumbled