The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Gillian was stealthily tightening her grip on the reins of the Vanguard Agency, and since she was on an equal footing with Vance, no one dared to voice their concerns. After all, she was sent by the top brass, and they had no choice but to stomach her presence.

The tension was palpable on the training grounds, where Gillian’s grudge had festered. She targeted Thomas mercilessly, attempting to strip him of his squad leader privileges.

Her momentum was formidable and demanded attention.

Moreover, there was a strong possibility that F-Poison was lurking in her shadow.

That faceless entity could take any disguise, even assume Gillian’s identity.

Should that prove true, the consequences would be dire.

Inside her apartment, Gillian walked in to find a scene of disarray.

Casting a disdainful glance at the shattered remains of Mara’s bedroom door, she scoffed. “You can’t even handle a simple task.”

“Then you do it!” Mara retorted, tending to her wounds.

That Anna had really done a number on her, with no regard for the injuries she had inflicted.

Gillian rolled her eyes. “Keep an eye on Aaron and handle your own mess. Now, there’s another thorn in our side; Anna’s been reassigned to Elite University. No telling what mission she’s on, so stay sharp.”

At the mention of Anna’s name, Mara snapped a cotton swab in frustration, “What’s there to watch with her?”

“The boss said Anna is Vivienne’s confidante. She’s definitely up to something, either targeting you or Aaron. We’re supposed to turn the Miller family against them, and this will put us at a huge disadvantage. Be careful,” Gillian lectured with strained patience.

“One minute, I’m stirring trouble for Aaron; the next, I’m shadowing Anna. Do I look like a tool to you?”

Gillian’s expression darkened with anger. “Why all the questions? If you want revenge, shut up and report any odd behavior from Anna immediately! And we shouldn’t meet for a while; I don’t have time for you. Make Aaron ours, and don’t tip off Anna. You might have already tipped Aaron off with today’s stunt. Be more cautious.”

With those parting words, Gillian left.

Mara cursed under her breath and continued applying her ointment.

She wouldn’t let Anna off the hook so easily.

…

Aaron stood grim-faced in front of the graduate school

passing students; after all, he was a notable figure at the university, although he was

emerged alone and smiled as she approached

you here? Waiting

pulled Mara away, quickening his

what’s the

before releasing her hand with a

wrist, tearfully looking

am I doing? Mara, I

wasn’t a fool; he

had planned to meet with Vivienne while she was treating Mara’s injuries, but instead, he ended up locked in his

it

play matchmaker for you and Vivienne, but why did you bring Kenneth into this? Did you want Percival to

didn’t bring

yelling? If I hadn’t fainted from pain yesterday, Kenneth and Anna would have

lifted her skirt to reveal her bruises, “I’m trying to help you, and this is the thanks

Mara’s leg wounds. “How did you get

seating herself on a nearby bench. “You say you didn’t bring Kenneth there, so who was it? He came with Anna.

Aaron knew about Kenneth’s feelings

the question for them

and internally gloated before suggesting, “Back in Sea City, Anna and Percival

guise of discussing graduate studies, but there was an air of surveillance

be

was in the dark about Anna’s connection to Vivienne, but he knew Anna was a

a sting of

spy right under his nose, intending to drive a

Aaron’s stormy expression and knew she had him hooked.

trust me, I said I would help, and I meant it. If you don’t need me, I can leave

that, Mara limped

figure, his eyes growing more inscrutable by the

received an unexpected

a moment? Can we meet, just the