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.

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

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

me

for you.

it?” Gillian’s

the living room, where Percival was still engaged in his chess game with

“What do you mean?”

family run deep. Captains in the agency, like Thomas and Micah, are his

her lip. How could Percival possibly

was fraught with more animosity than a star-crossed feud.

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

bottle

care of yourself, and when Vivienne’s free, we’ll visit. Oh, and she reminded you to take your meds on time. I’ve

knowing. “Will

unspoken message and took his

out of the Linklater Mansion, he found Gillian

with your business, Mr. Ellington?” Gillian asked, clutching

an icy edge to his gaze.

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

scoffing laugh, Percival unlocked his

She had thought she would need to beg

all the same – a little flutter of the eyelashes,

settled into the passenger seat, the spray bottle

me for our past,

and smiled. “I

don’t know how I could ever repay

about you come with me somewhere?”

him. Without Vivienne by his side, he was showing his

letting her fingers brush

smoothly dodging

was nothing

She relaxed, realizing she wouldn’t need the

isolated, far from any residential areas.

off in the back