The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

The evening drizzle cast a somber tune against the windowpanes of a cozy suburban home.

Mara lounged in the living room after dismissing her evening help, swirling a glass of Cabernet as she stared blankly at the ceiling.

The front door swung open, but Mara did not flinch.

A chill draft swept through, prompting Mara to frown. “Ever heard of closing the door?”

“Always such a stickler for details, aren’t you?”

At the doorway, a woman shook off her umbrella, her stilettos clicking on the hardwood floor as she strode in.

The rhythmic tap of the heels only heightened Mara’s irritation, her frown growing deeper. “You’ve never had an ounce of manners.”

The woman sat down, her flawless features stark against Mara’s scar-streaked visage.

Eyeing the woman’s perfect complexion, Mara’s gaze turned venomous, a visceral urge to shatter her wine glass and scar that pristine face.

To aerate the expensive wine with her blood!

“Gillian, didn’t I tell you to cover that revolting face when you see me?”

This was the woman who had once been incarcerated for willful harm, Gillian Ashford!

Gillian snorted with contempt, crossing her long legs. “Compared to yours, I think my face is the least of our worries.”

Mara stood abruptly, fury in her eyes, and for a moment, she wanted nothing more than to throttle the life out of Gillian.

Gillian, however, nonchalantly gestured. “Sit down and listen to what I have to say, or you’ll regret it.”

Mara clenched her jaw, reluctantly sitting back down.

Then, she scoffed. “We’re both no better than lapdogs, Gillian. Do you think you’re still the darling of Sea City? I’ve got news for you – you’re nothing now. So quit parading around like you’re high and mighty, bitch.”

Gillian snapped back, “Do you

and

back down until a

a moment, Gillian produced two

He’s a senior at Elite University, aiming for

up Aaron’s photo. “Isn’t this

champion. He’s also Vivienne’s protege. He seems quite taken with her, collecting all sorts of information on her. Your task is to get close to him and

men is more your speed. Your goal and his align

is serious. Don’t forget our

the mention of their master, Mara shivered,

to be in touch with Anna from Vanguard Agency, and that woman is trouble. Kenneth’s close with Aaron; you might be able to kill

leave. I can’t stand the sight of you,” Mara

from the Boyd family, a family with a sterling

Gillian said as

sat in the dark, clutching Aaron’s photo

“Vivienne, just wait.”

rain, Elite University was fragrant with the scent of cherry blossoms, the

Aaron’s mood was far

bought an apartment between the university and the company, though he had

peace had been scarce

something from his room when he was greeted by the sight of a freshly showered Kenneth, casually strolling about in the

nearly lost it, half-tempted to cry out for security at

Kenneth said nonchalantly, grabbing a

it’s cold, and you’re

got an eyeful of Kenneth’s indecency, and their laughter punctuated the

Close the door,” Kenneth

by the litter of clothes and underwear on his bed, opted

about shame?” Aaron chided. “This is my

back on the bed carelessly, Kenneth replied, “We’re