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 even worse fate

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

save Diana. Help me this once, and I promise to locate

frowned. “There’s only one option left for you. Whether it works is up

is it?” Gillian’s

was still engaged in his chess game

“What do you mean?”

with the Martinez family run deep. Captains in the agency, like Thomas

How could

fraught with more animosity than a star-crossed

without a driver. You’ll need to think outside the box.

spray bottle and let out a long

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

nodded, his smile knowing. “Will

message and took his

Linklater Mansion, he found Gillian waiting at

Ellington?” Gillian asked, clutching her purse

toe, an icy edge to his gaze. “What do

nodded sheepishly. “My car broke down, and the tow service hasn’t shown up. I’m in a hurry

Percival

agreed. She had thought she would need to

little flutter of the eyelashes, and

settled into the passenger seat, the spray

for our

raised an eyebrow and smiled. “I don’t

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

you come with me somewhere?” he

Gillian smirked. She hadn’t misjudged him. Without Vivienne by his

said, letting her fingers brush

his eyes, smoothly dodging her touch.

her hand was nothing but an

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

Mansion, nestled in its sprawling grounds, was isolated, far from any residential areas. The journey

dozed off in the back seat of the car without