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.

herself in the mirror, wondering if it was her imagination or if her scars really didn’t look as

the door

mud-covered Gillian

What have

her to the

keep an eye on Vivienne like I asked? No progress in

blows. “What are you on about? I’ve told you everything, and Vivienne’s

face

I need results. I want Aaron under your control,

Gillian’s madness and

next morning, Vivienne arrived at

greeted her warmly. “Vivienne, you’re here! I’ve prepared some

brew. It was indeed fruit

Vivienne asked

Mara laughed awkwardly,

bed. This episode was more intense than before; she even

by, quietly

time, the pain wasn’t as bad as before. Was Mara’s

voice came from outside. “Mara,

eyebrow; it was Aaron. What was

sight of the disheveled room

confusion. “What’s going on?

with her legs crossed, Vivienne replied nonchalantly, “She’s

away, throwing him into the bedroom and dashing out. And “accidentally,” the door

Click. The door locked.

and tried the handle, but

this…” Aaron looked at her, at

was relaxed, “If you can’t get out, just stay put. It’s not like there’s anything to do. She’ll

to see what new tricks Mara had up

lips, his gaze falling

untouchable, like Venus herself,

Mara’s room, Aaron had no choice but to

it was indeed less painful than before, within her

closed door, Mara thought, “Vivienne, just you wait!