The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Dracon finally turned his attention to Gillian.

Three days prior, Gillian had come on behalf of Vanguard Agency to check on Yorick and had met Dracon for the first time.

As they chatted casually, they touched upon Percival and the Perez family’s current situation. It was only then that Dracon realized that Gillian had a bone to pick with Vivienne. Upon further conversation, it became clear that their mutual grievances ran as deep as any of his own.

Their shared desire to deal with Vivienne made them natural allies.

Dracon took a deep breath, “Alright, spill it. How do you want me to work with you? Just as long as it doesn’t harm the Linklater family’s interests.”

Dracon was not a fool; while the other kids in the family did not need to lean on the Linklater family for anything, he had to stand firm with them. Without the family’s support, he would be lost.

If avenging Diana meant harming the Linklater family, it was not worth it.

Gillian curved her lips into a sly smile. “I want to get into the Rivenwood headquarters of the Vanguard Agency.”

“You’re leaving the comfort of Sea City for Rivenwood? That place is crawling with Percival’s cronies!” Dracon exclaimed in surprise.

Gillian’s smile deepened, a hint of ferocity flashing across her face, “Of course I know. It’s all Percival’s people there, but how else am I supposed to get close to him?”

Dracon looked Gillian up and down. She was attractive enough, with a nice figure to boot.

But compared to Vivienne, she did not hold a candle. Given the choice between the two, he reckoned no man would pick Gillian over Vivienne. Of course, he would not dare say that to Gillian’s face.

“Fine, I’ll get you into the Rivenwood General Administration.”

…

In the back garden.

Yorick led Karen and Vivienne to an herb garden.

Karen had been here before, but it was a first for Vivienne.

free to take them. I’ve got plenty to spare,” Yorick said, his face breaking into a smile as he looked at Vivienne’s beaming

before making her way

hadn’t seen one like this since the one she

no time to tend to it, leaving it in the hands of

plants; her interests were

expected the Linklater family to have such a hidden

familiar herb garden,

out a sigh of relief. “Lark, who is Vivienne’s

pressing together before she finally

me? At first, I thought you and Micah were an item, but that’s not the case, it seems.” Yorick

Karen was highly regarded at the

from Vance, who was too stubborn to see anything but his own way, it was Micah who constantly

fancy me,” Karen deflected, avoiding a

father? I’d like to see the scoundrel who stole away our belle, fathered a child, and then abandoned

smile. “And what would you do if you

get some answers

remember that promise. When I bring him around someday, you’ll have to skin

Karen didn’t want to talk about it, so he

good thing too. Otherwise,

sore spot not just for Karen and Micah but

“You taught me well.”

Who would have thought my favorite

one in my heart, and I’ve been waiting for him

son’s loss then. I thought I could

your children. Today, seeing Mr. Dracon Linklater, he doesn’t

saying, “Dracon, indeed, doesn’t have much ambition. He just wants to stay by my side. As for the one who’s most like me, that would be

where is

walked towards

questions. She could tell the location

as Vivienne cradled the delicate item in her hands. “That, my dear, is a godsend for those restless nights. I myself have

laughter tinkled through the air. “Indeed, this herb is a tricky one to cultivate—a real rarity. I plan to brew some tea