The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Caspian spread his arms in front of him, a human barricade. “Jasper, Madam, guys, I can’t just let Percival walk out of here. We need official clearance to release him. Please head back and wait for news. I swear on my life, if a single hair on Percival’s head is harmed, I’ll answer for it!”

Vivienne, clutching the prison access card in her hand, said with a steely tone, “Caspian, I’m only giving you this much time because of your sister. Out of my way.”

“Wait!”

Dracon emerged from inside the prison, his face a mask of rage as he glared at Vivienne.

“Vivienne, you think this is your playground? You can’t just waltz in here whenever you please. My dad’s in the ER fighting for his life, and Percival is our prime suspect. He’s not going anywhere with you!”

Before Dracon could finish, a rock came hurling down, striking him squarely on the crown of his head.

Fredrick stepped forward, his voice dripping with contempt. “Who do you think you are, spouting off like that, Dracon? I’m telling you, if you don’t step aside, I’ll make you beg for mercy, just like old times. Believe it?”

Dracon was well aware of Fredrick’s reputation and quickly retreated behind Caspian. “Fredrick, even if you and the Perez family turn this place upside down, I can’t let you through. This is about my dad, and I won’t let it go with Percival!”

Vivienne’s expression was icy as she prepared to push forward, but Jasper pulled her back just in time.

As she frowned, a man in a suit appeared before them, bearing a strong resemblance to Dracon but with a more resolute demeanor. His skills were clearly superior; even Vivienne would have to take a few rounds to defeat him.

Maddox stepped in front of Vivienne with a sneer. “Well, well, if it isn’t our esteemed diplomat. What brings you to our neck of the woods?”

Hector ignored Maddox and gave Jasper a respectful nod. “Jasper, it’s been too long. I regret not visiting you sooner upon my return. Please forgive me.”

“It’s alright, Hector. You’re here now. But tell me, do you intend to get involved in today’s affair?” Jasper asked with a faint smile.

Hector shook his head. “That’s not my intention. I understand Vivienne’s urgency to free her fiancé, but the matter has not yet been resolved. We can’t release Percival until it is, especially with my father still unconscious. I hope you can understand our position.”

Vivienne’s eyes narrowed subtly. This man had clearly done his homework on her.

Hector then turned his gaze to Vivienne, his eyes flickering with an unreadable light.

she felt he was probing for

treated this way. Are you going to release

Perez family, knowing it could backfire once Yorick woke up. “If Vivienne can make my father wake up now and ask for his opinion, I’ll have no objections. But until he wakes, I can’t release

had planned to visit Yorick after freeing Percival anyway, but since Hector had put forth a condition, a trade wasn’t

priority was to get

protest,

our way in,” Vivienne instructed before

“You go on. I’ll stay

involved, but without someone from their side present, Dracon would surely mobilize

and watched as Vivienne swiftly made her

on

help but ask, “Grandpa, what’s the deal between Maddox and

chuckled. “Those two have been at it since they were kids, both third in line, never seeing

chimed in, “Hector’s a lot more straight-laced

plenty of people more straight-laced

his back. I

Hector. She had a feeling there was

at the hospital and

an hour later, Hector’s phone rang. He answered it with one hand. “Dad? You’re awake? Great,

was behind Hector, wanted to object, but Vanguard Agency personnel

inwardly—what

dressed to the nines, stepped out and was at a loss for words at

“Nephew-in-law, Vivienne’s waiting at the hospital. Go to her, and we’ll catch up

to the fiery temper from

“Alright, Uncle Maddox.

Percival got into the

have been lifted straight from an old Wild West showdown. They were shoulder