The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Blinking her eyes, Anna felt that Zelda was unusually enthusiastic today.

She glanced at Vivienne, seeking help, and Vivienne shot her a knowing look that said, “Girl, my aunt fancies you as a niece-in-law.”

Anna nearly choked on her drink. She was too young to be shackled by the chains of arranged dating!

No way, not happening!

Seeing Anna’s pleading eyes, Vivienne kindly excused her, breaking the tension.

Zelda, aware that Vivienne had serious matters to discuss, didn’t press further, content to wait until they were finished.

“Actually, my junior brother isn’t too shabby. Why not give him a shot?” Vivienne teased, playfully tipping Anna’s chin.

Anna blushed. “Ms. Vivienne, when did you start being so cheeky?”

“Picked it up from our Mr. Wolf.”

Percival, who had just walked in, paused upon hearing this.

What? Was he really that cheeky?

Anna quickly changed the subject when she saw Percival return. “Mr. Ellington, Herman mentioned you were looking for me. What’s up?”

Percival sat down next to Vivienne and said, “You’re about to graduate from Elite University, right? Applied for grad school yet?”

Anna nodded. “Yeah, just haven’t had the chance to take the exams; been swamped with training assignments lately.”

“Go for it, stick close to Aaron.”

It took Anna a moment to remember who Aaron was. “Stick close to him for what?”

It was then that Vivienne chimed in, “Aaron’s been dealing with the Brooks family lately, investigating the bionic biotech related to F-Poison. Assist him. There’s a Mara close to him with dubious intentions; just keep an eye on her discreetly; don’t blow your cover.”

Anna understood but still felt uneasy. “Ms. Vivienne, Noah is with GTO. They must know I’m with Vanguard Agency. Gillian even saw me at the training grounds today. Won’t this raise their suspicions?”

Vivienne smiled. “It will. And they’ll wonder if you’re there to investigate Aaron or Mara. Basically, you’ll be shrouded in mystery, and many will watch you. Be careful.”

Anna burst into laughter at this. She relished this kind of game. “Mission accepted.”

…

At Mara’s house.

was her imagination or if her scars really didn’t

the door burst

Gillian strode

hand. “What… What have you done to

lunged at her, pinning her to the floor, and

an eye on Vivienne like I asked? No progress in all this

are you on about? I’ve told you everything, and Vivienne’s coming over tomorrow. What’s the

face in disgust. “What’s gotten

need results. I

madness and nodded.

next morning, Vivienne arrived at Mara’s

I’ve prepared some fruit tea for you. Try

the brew. It was indeed fruit

a sip, Vivienne asked casually, “Bedroom or

Mara laughed awkwardly, leading Vivienne into the

hit, Mara rolled wildly on the bed. This episode was more

sat by, quietly observing

as before. Was Mara’s dramatics serving

a voice came from outside. “Mara, are

it was Aaron. What was he

door, and Aaron stepped in. The sight of the disheveled room and Mara’s sweat-drenched face left

Vivienne in confusion. “What’s going on? Vivienne, is

back in her chair with her legs crossed, Vivienne replied

away, throwing him into the bedroom and

Click. The door locked.

tried the handle, but it wouldn’t

at her,

not like there’s anything to do. She’ll

see what new tricks Mara had up

lips, his

like Venus herself, no

Mara’s room, Aaron had no choice but to take a seat on

She touched her cheek; it was indeed less painful than before, within her

tightly closed door, Mara thought, “Vivienne, just you wait! After today, you won’t be able to