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.

Vivienne managed to save all the injured. For those who lost their limbs from the blast, they reattached limbs that could be salvaged. Unfortunately, for those whose limbs were lost,

capture of twenty-three individuals, one of whom turned out to be an innocent bystander. After receiving hefty

of ST-0,

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

had occurred away from residential areas, sparing

stern rebuke to its entire staff, starting with Vance, who faced a severe reprimand and the

“Listen, Vance, you either find the

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 were the only two with access to the

hand. Plus, Thomas had always been

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

suffered a severe blow to the back of her head, and

who had been by her side immediately

prevent headaches and dizziness,” the doctor advised 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.

doctor, my head hurts so badly. What if something happens

injection, but you must leave. There are no beds left, and others are waiting. Please pack your things

continued to argue, but the doctor ignored

Astrid’s situation had yet to improve, and

waited anxiously,

calls were rare due to her job

to comfort Cordelia, Karen handed her a calming pill. “Cordelia, don’t worry. Astrid will be fine.

was far from feeling. He