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

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

were found with traces of ST-0, confirming their

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

had occurred away from

Rivenwood General Administration issued a stern rebuke to its entire staff, starting with Vance, who faced a severe reprimand and the cancellation of

of the Sea City headquarters was blunt over the phone. “Listen, Vance, you either find the person primarily responsible, or you pack

command console and were discussing the plan on the desk at the

right hand. Plus, Thomas had always been the most sensible and cautious team leader of the three,

the surveillance footage from the command vehicle was damaged in

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

been by her side immediately called for a doctor when

doctor advised after examining her and prescribed some medication before urging her to discharge herself.

my head hurts so badly. What if something happens after

just a postoperative reaction. If it’s unbearable, ask a nurse for a painkiller injection, but you must leave. There are no beds left, and others are waiting. Please pack your things and leave by this

to argue, but the

over things in the ICU. Anna and Astrid’s situation had

Griffin waited anxiously, with

job commitments. No one anticipated that their next reunion would be in

handed her a calming pill. “Cordelia, don’t worry.

feeling. He was the rock of the family, the one who couldn’t