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.

at herself in the mirror, wondering if it was her

the door

Gillian

What have you done to yourself?

at her, pinning her to the floor, and repeatedly

asked? No progress

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

face in disgust. “What’s gotten

“Tomorrow, I need results. I want

Gillian’s madness

morning, Vivienne arrived at

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

was indeed fruit

asked casually,

laughed awkwardly, leading Vivienne into

pain hit, Mara rolled wildly on the bed. This episode was more intense than before; she even ran amok in the room,

quietly observing

as before. Was

from outside. “Mara, are

Aaron. What was he doing

flung open the door, and Aaron stepped in. The sight of the disheveled

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

with her legs

shoved Aaron away, throwing him into the bedroom and

Click. The door locked.

the handle,

Aaron looked at her, at a

can’t get out, just stay put. It’s not like there’s anything to

what new tricks

his gaze falling

untouchable, like Venus herself, no matter when

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

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

thought, “Vivienne, just you wait! After today, you