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.

finding shelter was urgent, or she

hope now. If you don’t help me, I’m at a loss!”

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

option left for you. Whether it works is

it?”

toward the living room, where Percival was

“What do you mean?”

ties with the Martinez family run deep. Captains in the agency, like Thomas and Micah, are his people. If you

lip. How could

history was fraught with more animosity than a star-crossed feud. It was almost impossible to have Percival

outside the box. Good

at the spray bottle and let

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

his smile knowing. “Will

the unspoken message

of the Linklater Mansion, he found Gillian waiting

business, Mr. Ellington?” Gillian asked, clutching her

from head to toe, an icy edge

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

scoffing laugh, Percival unlocked

was surprised at how easily he agreed. She had thought she would need to

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

the passenger seat, the spray bottle concealed

forgiven me for our

raised an eyebrow and smiled. “I don’t

how

about you come with me somewhere?” he

Vivienne by his

where to?” she said, letting her

smoothly

hand was nothing but

yours.” She relaxed, realizing she wouldn’t need the spray

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

back seat of the car without