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.

…

University, Aaron stood grim-faced in

stares from passing students; after all, he was a notable figure at the university, although he was seldom seen outside of the finance department. His rare appearance

emerged alone and smiled as she

what brings you here?

Aaron pulled Mara away, quickening

the

a secluded spot before

looking at Aaron. “What

am I doing? Mara, I want

wasn’t a fool; he wouldn’t lose consciousness

Mara’s injuries, but instead, he

weren’t involved, it would

should be asking you about yesterday. I had decided to play matchmaker for you and Vivienne, but why

bring Kenneth!”

you yelling? If I hadn’t fainted from pain yesterday, Kenneth and Anna would have beat me up. Look at my injuries, and you’re

bruises, “I’m trying

leg wounds. “How

bench. “You say you didn’t

about

of the question for them

“Back in Sea City, Anna

the guise of

it be

the dark about Anna’s connection to Vivienne, but he knew Anna was a Vanguard Agency operative. To him,

a sting

spy right under his nose, intending to drive a

knew she had him hooked. This

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

that, Mara

departing figure, his eyes growing more inscrutable

an unexpected call from

do you have a moment? Can we meet, just the two of