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.

was not on Gillian’s side. F-Poison had abandoned her, and finding

you don’t help me, I’m at a

Help me

option left for you. Whether it works is up to

is it?”

where Percival was still engaged in

“What do you mean?”

family run deep. Captains in the agency, like Thomas and Micah, are his people. If you want back in, his word is

How could

than a star-crossed feud. It was almost impossible to have Percival

driver. You’ll need to think outside the box. Good luck.” Dracon handed her a

the spray bottle and let out a long

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

nodded, his smile knowing.

unspoken message and took his

the Linklater Mansion, he found Gillian waiting at

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

an icy edge to his gaze. “What

tow service hasn’t shown up. I’m in a hurry to get back downtown. Could you possibly give me a lift, Mr.

a scoffing laugh, Percival

he agreed. She had thought she would need to beg or

a little flutter of the eyelashes, and

seat, the spray bottle concealed in

forgiven me for

raised an eyebrow and smiled. “I

you. I don’t know how

you come with me somewhere?”

hadn’t misjudged him. Without Vivienne by his side, he was

letting her fingers

eyes, smoothly

hand was nothing but an annoyance—hideous and

I’m all yours.” She relaxed, realizing she wouldn’t need the spray after

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

in the back seat