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.

side. F-Poison had abandoned her, and finding shelter

Mr. Linklater. You’re my only hope now. If you don’t help me, I’m at

Help me this once, and I promise to locate her –

one option left for you.

it?” Gillian’s

nodded toward the living room, where Percival was still engaged in his

“What do you mean?”

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

her lip. How could Percival

more animosity than a star-crossed

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

bottle

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

knowing. “Will

message and

out of the Linklater Mansion, he found Gillian waiting at the entrance with a look

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

icy edge to

car broke down, and the tow service hasn’t shown up. I’m in a hurry to get back downtown. Could you

laugh, Percival unlocked his car.

She had thought

little flutter

the spray

for our past,

and smiled. “I don’t

I don’t know how I could

you come with me

hadn’t misjudged him. Without Vivienne by his side,

said, letting her fingers brush

his eyes, smoothly dodging her touch. “Somewhere

hand was

relaxed, realizing she wouldn’t

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

off in the back