The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Hector took a deep breath and kept his voice steady. “Let’s not jump to conclusions before we get to the bottom of this, Dracon. What’s the word from the doctors?”

Dracon pinched the bridge of his nose, the worry lines on his forehead deepening. “They’re playing it by ear with the treatment. No idea when Dad might come out of it. The house is in chaos, and I’m at a loss here.”

“You’ve always been the one steering the ship at home. I’ll hold down the fort here at the hospital; you head back and sort things out. Keep Dad’s condition under wraps, okay? We don’t want to spook the shareholders or the folks at Vanguard Agency. And get a couple more guys to watch over this place. I’ve got a bad feeling there might be more trouble brewing.”

Hector orchestrated the plans with the finesse of an elder brother despite the fact that he wasn’t.

Dracon nodded, silently taking in Hector’s instructions before heading out to do as he said.

Micah, who had been listening in, couldn’t help but vent to Vance, “Compared to Hector, Dracon’s a piece of trash.”

Vance shot Micah a look that could quell any further comments. “You always this chatty?”

Micah choked on his words. No matter how long they had worked together, he and Vance just didn’t click.

After Dracon had left, Hector came over to introduce himself. “Vance, Micah, right? I’m Hector.”

“Mr. Linklater, it’s an honor,” Vance replied, shaking Hector’s hand firmly.

“Vanguard Agency will leave no stone unturned in investigating what happened to Yorick. There will be no cover-ups, rest assured.”

Hector adjusted his glasses, a smile devoid of warmth tugging at his lips. “Vance, don’t just fixate on Percival as the prime suspect. He has no motive to harm my father. I’ve heard of his reputation; my father has praised him. I suspect there’s more to this story. If you need my help, just say the word.”

Vance felt a glimmer of relief upon hearing this. Finally, someone talking sense.

“We’ll take your suggestion to heart, Mr. Linklater. We’ve got business back at the agency, so we’ll be off. If there’s any news about Yorick, please keep us informed.”

After exchanging goodbyes, Vance and Micah made to leave.

Hector stopped Micah. “Micah, do you

as if he were up to no good. “What

Vance was surprised. How

has mentioned

now,” Micah

about Hector didn’t

“Understood.

further ado, Micah left,

outside, Vance couldn’t hold back his curiosity, “Is Lark

him off with irritation. “What’s

fell silent, awkwardly closing his

driving in silence, didn’t chime in. The two directors bickered like this

a

[They’re in my car.]

way to the Vanguard Agency’s detention center with

on duty was Caspian, who looked at Vivienne

Could you please head back for now? He’ll be released once

was icy as she stood her ground. “I

kneel and beg. “Madam, it’s really not possible right now. The

can’t worry about

was never impulsive, but a text message she received before Thomas’s

one word, sender unknown. She hadn’t given it much thought initially, but when news of Percival’s

Vivienne knew that if he remained locked up, chaos

a targeted attack. Someone was using Percival to get

Percival’s head will be harmed.

help! Help me to persuade

no one could help

raised her hand, and numerous guns and weapons were aimed at the secret detention

had several red dots trained