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 horrific as

the door burst

Gillian strode

hand. “What… What have you done to

to the

progress in all

are you on about? I’ve told you everything, and

her face in

I need results. I want Aaron under

sensed Gillian’s madness

arrived at Mara’s house as

you’re here! I’ve prepared some fruit tea for you. Try

brew. It was indeed fruit tea, nothing extra

sip, Vivienne asked

awkwardly, leading

pain hit, Mara rolled wildly on the bed. This episode was more intense than before; she

quietly

as bad as before. Was Mara’s dramatics serving

voice came from

was Aaron.

The sight of the disheveled

Vivienne in confusion. “What’s going on?

in her chair with her

away, throwing him into the bedroom and dashing out.

Click. The door locked.

stunned and tried the

looked at her,

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

see what new tricks

pursed his lips, his gaze falling on

herself, no matter

with only a tiny sofa in Mara’s room, Aaron had no choice but to take

touched her cheek; it was indeed less

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