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.

of interest, feel free to take them. I’ve got plenty to spare,” Yorick said, his face breaking into a smile as he

before making her way

herb garden — she hadn’t seen one like this since the

in the hands of those unreliable junior

time to cultivate these plants; her interests were far too wide-ranging, and the garden

not expected the Linklater family to have

at the familiar herb garden, her eyes

out a sigh of

lips pressing together

Micah were an item, but that’s not the case, it

day, Karen was highly regarded at the Vanguard Agency, and her

young men either didn’t dare pursue her, or they secretly pined after her. Aside from Vance, who was too stubborn to

wouldn’t fancy me,” Karen deflected, avoiding

be sidetracked. “Where exactly is Vivienne’s father? I’d like to see the scoundrel who

with a smile. “And what would you do if you met Vivienne’s dad? How

first, then drag him to the interrogation room to get some answers about where he’s been all these years. I’m gonna skin him alive for abandoning his

out loud. “Alright, I’ll remember that promise. When I bring

talk about it, so he didn’t

a good thing too. Otherwise, after the ‘Destruction Plan’ went south, we would’ve been completely wiped

for Karen and Micah but also for Yorick, who had been the

“You taught me well.”

and I, we’ve been inseparable this lifetime. Who would have thought my favorite agent would turn out to be his daughter? Lark, is

the only one in my heart, and I’ve been waiting

that’s my no-good eldest son’s loss then. I thought I could play matchmaker between you two,

children. Today, seeing Mr. Dracon

side. As for the one who’s most like me, that would be our eldest. I’ll introduce you when there’s a chance. That stubborn

is he?” Karen

walked towards Vivienne.

ask any more questions. She could tell the location of

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

a tricky one to cultivate—a real rarity. I plan to brew some tea with it tonight