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

before making her way

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

had no time to tend to it, leaving it in the hands of those unreliable junior disciples, and it all

then, Vivienne had no time to cultivate these plants; her

expected the Linklater family to have such

familiar herb garden, her eyes softening with

let out a sigh of relief.

reverie, her lips pressing together before

first, I thought you and Micah were an item,

Karen was highly regarded at the

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,

would not be sidetracked. “Where exactly is Vivienne’s father? I’d like to see the scoundrel who stole away

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

him to the interrogation room to get some

that promise. When I bring him

Karen didn’t want to talk about

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

failure of that mission was a sore spot not just for Karen and Micah but also for Yorick, who had been the agency head

“You taught me well.”

inseparable this lifetime. Who would have thought my favorite agent would turn out to be his daughter? Lark, is there really only room for Vivienne’s father

“Yes, he’s the only one in my heart, and I’ve been waiting for

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

“You never talk about your children. Today, seeing Mr. Dracon Linklater, he doesn’t seem to take after you

just wants to stay 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 me when

where is he?”

stood and walked towards Vivienne. “He’s

tell the

godsend for those restless nights. I

to cultivate—a real rarity. I plan to brew some tea with