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 would face an even worse fate

you don’t help me, I’m at a loss!”

me this once, and I

one option left for you. Whether it works is up

it?” Gillian’s eyes

Percival was still engaged in

“What do you mean?”

in the agency, like Thomas and Micah, are

her lip. How

than a star-crossed feud. It was almost impossible

You’ll need to think outside the box.

spray bottle and let out a

bid farewell to Yorick. “I should be going then. Take care of yourself, and when Vivienne’s free, we’ll visit. Oh, and she reminded you to take your meds on time. I’ve brought them

nodded, his smile knowing. “Will do.

unspoken message and took his

Mansion, he found Gillian waiting at the entrance with a

Ellington?” Gillian asked, clutching her purse and gazing

her from head to 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 to get back downtown. Could you possibly give me a

laugh, Percival

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

little flutter of the eyelashes, and

the spray bottle concealed

forgiven me for

eyebrow and

how I could ever repay you…

come with me somewhere?” he

misjudged him. Without Vivienne by

said, letting her fingers brush against Percival’s

narrowed his eyes, smoothly dodging

hand was nothing but an

relaxed, realizing she wouldn’t

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

off in the back seat of