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

the door

Gillian strode

jumped, retreating with a pillow in hand. “What… What have you done to yourself? Stay

her, pinning her to the floor, and

Vivienne like I asked? No progress in all this

you on about? I’ve told you everything, and Vivienne’s

off, Mara wiped her face in disgust.

sanity. “Tomorrow, I need results. I want Aaron under

sensed Gillian’s madness and nodded.

morning, Vivienne arrived at

her warmly. “Vivienne, you’re here! I’ve prepared some fruit tea for you. Try

brew. It was indeed fruit tea,

Vivienne asked casually, “Bedroom or living

bedroom.” Mara laughed awkwardly, leading

This episode was more intense than

sat by, quietly observing

time, the pain wasn’t as bad as

a voice came from outside. “Mara, are

an eyebrow; it was Aaron. What was he doing

The sight of the disheveled room and Mara’s

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

her chair with her legs crossed, Vivienne replied nonchalantly,

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

Click. The door locked.

stunned and tried the handle, but

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 be over

new tricks Mara had up her

his lips, his gaze

was always untouchable, like Venus herself, no

Aaron had no choice but to take a seat on the

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

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