The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Listening to the man’s words, F-Poison was quite pleased. She straightened up and, with a slender finger, gave a gentle pat on the man’s shoulder.

“You’re destined for great things,” she said with a wink. “Let’s ditch the self-doubt, okay? I’ve got a good feeling about you.”

The man nodded slightly, his face an unreadable mask. “Understood,” he replied quietly.

Seemingly content, F-Poison patted his cheek and, stifling a yawn, wandered back to her room to rest.

The man stood still for a moment, a cold glint flickering in his eyes. His pocket vibrated with the buzz of his personal cellphone, ringing with a call from abroad.

“Yeah? What? Alright, got it.”

After ending the call with icy indifference, he turned and walked away.

…

Gillian made her way to the Linklater estate; her previous visit and good rapport with Dracon ensured the guards let her pass without issue.

After a thorough check, she was finally inside the Linklater Mansion. To her surprise, as soon as she entered, she saw Percival sitting in the living room, deeply engrossed in conversation with Yorick.

Gillian paused, not expecting to see him there.

Percival seemed to not even notice her, continuing his chat with Yorick.

Only Dracon came forward to greet her, and they headed to the back garden.

“How could you be so careless to have Vance oust you? Do you have any idea how hard I worked to get you in there?” Dracon scolded as soon as they were alone.

If Yorick hadn’t been under the weather these past few days, he would’ve been at Gillian’s doorstep to give her a piece of his mind for bungling such a simple task.

Gillian felt wronged.

Who would’ve thought an armored vehicle transporting a felon could get hijacked? The Vanguard Agency was massive, yet the perpetrator had vanished without a trace. Even the higher-ups couldn’t protect Gillian now.

She was left waiting for news.

Gillian’s side. F-Poison had abandoned her, and finding shelter was urgent, or she would face an

hope now. If you don’t help me, I’m at a

one who can save Diana. Help me this

“There’s only one option left for you.

it?” Gillian’s eyes

nodded toward the living room, where Percival was still engaged in his chess

“What do you mean?”

the Vanguard Agency, but his ties with the Martinez family run deep. Captains in the agency, like Thomas and Micah, are his people. If you want back in, his

her lip. How could Percival

more animosity than a star-crossed feud. It

he’s here without a driver. You’ll need to think outside the box. Good luck.” Dracon handed her a spray

at the spray bottle and

Percival bid farewell to Yorick. “I should be going then. Take care of yourself, and when Vivienne’s free, we’ll visit. Oh,

his smile knowing.

unspoken message and took

Linklater Mansion, he found Gillian waiting

with your business, Mr. Ellington?” Gillian asked, clutching her purse and gazing at Percival with

her from head to toe, an icy

the tow service hasn’t shown up. I’m in

Percival unlocked his car.

She

little flutter of the eyelashes, and they’re

seat, the spray bottle concealed

for our past,

raised an eyebrow and smiled.

you. I don’t know how I could ever repay

with me somewhere?”

Without Vivienne

she said, letting her fingers brush against

his eyes, smoothly

his eyes, her hand was nothing but an annoyance—hideous

yours.” She relaxed, realizing she wouldn’t need the

sprawling grounds, was isolated, far from any residential areas. The journey ahead would be

in the back seat of