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.

look around. If you find any herbs of interest, feel free to take them. I’ve got plenty to spare,” Yorick said, his face breaking into a smile as he looked at

said before making her way

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

to it, leaving it in the hands of those

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

the Linklater family to have such a hidden trove of

gazed at the familiar herb garden, her eyes

a sigh of

pressing together before she finally whispered,

first, I thought you and Micah were an item, but

Karen was highly regarded at the Vanguard Agency, and her

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

wouldn’t fancy me,” Karen deflected, avoiding

would not be sidetracked. “Where exactly is Vivienne’s father? I’d like to see the scoundrel who stole away our belle, fathered a child, and then

looked at Yorick with a smile. “And what would you do if you met

the interrogation room to get some answers about where he’s

promise. When

didn’t want to talk about it,

always were so level-headed, and it’s a good thing too. Otherwise, after the ‘Destruction Plan’ went

and Micah but also for Yorick, who had been the agency head at

“You taught me well.”

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

“Yes, he’s the only one in my

no-good eldest son’s loss then. I thought I

children. Today, seeing Mr. Dracon Linklater, he doesn’t seem to take after

by my 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 mule is just like

where is he?”

and walked towards Vivienne. “He’s on his

any more questions. She could tell the location of that “stubborn mule” was

“That, my dear, is a godsend for those restless nights. I myself have been lulled

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