The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Without hesitation, Soren fed Anna the last life-saving pill, ensuring she was quickly lifted onto a stretcher.

Meanwhile, Percival and Leopold rounded up every suspicious character within sight. Regardless of their protests and cries of innocence, they took no chances, erring on the side of caution rather than risk letting a spy slip through their grasp.

Those trained in the art of espionage were highly alert and masterful actors. Their disguises were so convincing that even the sharpest detective eyes might fail to discern their true nature.

Soon, they had filled two vans with captives, and Leopold, unable to stand, slumped beside Percival on one knee.

“Hang in there, Leopold,” Percival urged, supporting him with one arm to prevent him from slipping into unconsciousness.

Thomas had arrived with reinforcements, and the National Intelligence Bureau’s backup had also reached the scene. The situation was finally under control, with the threat of a secondary explosion averted, and all the injured had been rushed to the hospital, including Gillian, who was now in the ICU.

By the time Soren was admitted to the hospital, he was unconscious, with shards of glass lodged perilously inside him.

Karen, who took over his care, was stunned by the severity of his injuries.

“Frost, didn’t you give him a life-saving pill?” Karen knew Vivienne always carried life-saving pills for emergencies, especially for missions like these, where they were stocked in abundance.

Given Soren’s critical condition, it was unthinkable that Vivienne wouldn’t have administered one.

Vivienne frowned slightly. “I did, but I think he shared them with his team. Mom, he’s in your hands now. I need to check on Anna and Astrid.”

“Okay,” Karen responded without further inquiry. Time was of the essence, and every second counted.

managed to save all the injured. For those who lost their limbs from the blast, they reattached limbs that could

whom turned out to be an innocent

with traces of

Agency suffered over a hundred injuries, and all members of the National Intelligence Bureau’s team led by

the explosion had occurred away from residential areas, sparing civilians from

to its entire staff, starting with Vance, who faced a severe reprimand and the cancellation of his

of the Sea City headquarters was blunt over the phone. “Listen, Vance, you either find

knew the culprit was either Thomas or Gillian. Vance and Micah never got in close proximity to the command console and were discussing the plan on the desk at the side. The others were all occupied in their corresponding positions. Thomas and Gillian

always been the most sensible and cautious team leader of

remained Gillian, but without evidence—since the surveillance footage from

slowly regained consciousness. She had suffered a severe blow to the back of her head, and despite surgery,

nurse who had been by her side immediately called

after examining her and prescribed some medication before urging her to discharge herself. The hospital was overwhelmed, and with the ICU at capacity, even ordinary wards were in high demand. Given how light Gillian’s

head hurts so badly. What if something happens

you must leave. There are no beds left, and others are waiting. Please pack your things and leave by this afternoon. Thank you for your cooperation,” the doctor

continued to argue, but the doctor ignored

Astrid’s situation had yet to

the ICU, Dorian’s family and Griffin waited anxiously,

even phone calls were rare due to her job commitments. No one anticipated that their next reunion

pill. “Cordelia, don’t worry. Astrid will be fine. With Frost and me here,

words of solace, feigning a calm he was far from feeling. He was the rock