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.

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

the door

mud-covered Gillian

a pillow in hand. “What… What have you done to yourself? Stay back, don’t

at her, pinning her to the floor, and repeatedly smacked her

Vivienne like I asked? No progress in

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

Gillian off, Mara wiped her face in disgust. “What’s

“Tomorrow, I need results. I want Aaron

sensed Gillian’s madness and nodded. “Got

next morning, Vivienne arrived at

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

the brew. It was

Vivienne asked casually, “Bedroom

awkwardly,

was more intense than before;

quietly

as before. Was Mara’s

came from outside. “Mara, are you

it was Aaron. What

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

in confusion.

back in her chair with her legs

him into the bedroom and dashing out.

Click. The door locked.

stunned and tried the handle, but

at

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

see what new tricks Mara had up

his lips, his gaze falling on

was always untouchable, like Venus herself, no matter

in Mara’s room, Aaron had no choice

cheek; it was

the tightly closed door, Mara thought, “Vivienne, just you wait! After today,