The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Mara gasped, thinking, “Aaron is such a… a sucker for love, isn’t he? A real bleeding heart, the patron saint of lost causes. Even the good ol’ boy scout would tip his hat to him!”

“It’s not like it’s entirely his fault, you know. There’s been a bit of a mix-up. I’m not even sure if you can call it that. But apparently, Percival’s high school sweetheart, the one who got away, has come back into the picture. Sadly, she’s fallen ill, sought out Percival, and, of course, his heart’s just bleeding for her. He’s been doing the hospital dash non-stop.

Oh, and get this: he even had Vivienne step in for surgery. You know Vivienne is the Specter Healer. Bet she agreed to it in a heartbeat.”

Aaron clenched his fists so tightly his knuckles turned white. “What did you say? The one who got away? I thought Vivienne was Percival’s first love!”

Mara couldn’t help but let out a snort of laughter. “You can’t be serious. My brother’s way past that age. His first love, Vivienne? Come on, it’s an open secret in our family. Don’t believe me? Go check out the hospital yourself. That ‘one who got away’ is currently in the VIP ward of my brother’s hospital, getting the royal treatment.”

“What’s her name?” Aaron’s voice was dark as storm clouds, his words almost grinding through his teeth.

Mara took a sip of her coffee, feigning ignorance. “What’s that?”

Aaron’s hand slammed down on the table, causing Mara to jump. “Her name! What’s the woman’s name?”

Startled, Mara nearly spilled her coffee. “Her-Her name’s Karen…”

Upon hearing the name, Aaron stormed off toward the hospital.

Mara exhaled, setting down her coffee cup and dabbing at the splatters on the table with a napkin. Her lips curled into a wry smile. “Such a firecracker, that one. Absolutely hilarious.”

No sooner had Aaron left than another figure took his place.

Mara turned and let out a scoff. “Well, if it isn’t the stray dog kicked to the curb by Vanguard Agency. What’s the matter, got too much free time on your hands now?”

The woman opposite her was Gillian. But today, Gillian was different. She didn’t bite back at Mara’s sharp tongue.

when will you guys quit this pointless banter? As your boss, it’s

been struck by lightning, her voice trembling. “Boss, I… I had

worries, ignorance is bliss. I’m pretty laid

hard. Laid

seen firsthand how F-Poison had put Gillian in her place, making her wary of Gillian’s face for

“Look, your younger brother’s doing just fine. I’m here to reassure

was anything but reassuring; it was a warning to toe the

Aaron and Vivienne. Aaron’s already on his way to the hospital.

spoke, her voice was a mix

absently, twirling a strand of hair around her finger.

Cecilia that Karen had surgery at the hospital, and Percival has been looking after her. So,

You’re sure her name is Karen?” F-Poison cut her off, a sly grin spreading across

her in the dark, wanting to spare Vivienne any interference. Mara didn’t press;

expression, curiosity got the better of

What about

out a slow chuckle that grew into a full-blown laugh, hands pressing against her stomach as if she had

up her spine. F-Poison’s laughter was more terrifying

F-Poison composed herself and looked at Mara.

do I even

her phone for a while

a new message—a photo of Karen working on a virus experiment at GTO, clearly

“This is?”

he’ll understand why he

puzzled, as she glanced

was beautiful, eerily resembling Vivienne at first

looked up again,

out a sigh of relief and, clutching her purse, headed

fury, approaching the nurse’s station. “Excuse me, could you tell me