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.

F-Poison had abandoned her, and finding shelter was urgent, or she

Linklater. You’re my only hope now. If you don’t help me, I’m at a loss!” Gillian clasped Dracon’s wrist,

me

left for you. Whether

it?” Gillian’s

was still engaged in his chess game with

“What do you mean?”

left 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 word is

her lip. How could Percival

star-crossed

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

stared at the spray bottle

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

smile knowing. “Will do. Drive

unspoken message and took

the Linklater Mansion, he found Gillian waiting at the entrance

Ellington?” Gillian asked, clutching her purse and

icy edge to his gaze.

broke down, and the tow service hasn’t shown up. I’m in

scoffing laugh, Percival unlocked his car.

how easily he agreed. She had thought she would need

all the same – a little flutter of the eyelashes, and they’re

the passenger seat, the spray

for

and

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

about you come with me

misjudged him. Without Vivienne by his side, he

she said, letting her fingers brush against

his eyes, smoothly dodging her

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

relaxed, realizing she wouldn’t need

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

off in the back