The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Lucas narrowed his eyes, a sign that he was contemplating the silence of Vivienne, who had been quiet up until this point. Despite her silence, he knew of her past accomplishments and didn’t underestimate the young woman.

“What is it?” he prompted.

Vivienne cocked an eyebrow, her voice laced with skepticism. “With all the higher-up hotshots, why send us?”

This mission reeked of danger.

If the higher-ups couldn’t find the evidence, what made Lucas think they could?

Dealing with a single GTO was tough enough, and they still hadn’t figured out who was pulling Samantha’s strings. She wasn’t about to take on a suicide mission without good reason.

Caught off guard by her directness, Lucas hesitated. His gaze settled on Percival, whose deep-set eyes betrayed no intention of stifling Vivienne’s challenge.

Two little foxes.

Lucas lowered his voice, “You two are rookies in the world of ancient warrior lineages, and this is a direct order from the top brass. You don’t have the luxury of refusal.”

A palpable sense of authority filled the study.

An average person would’ve crumbled under such pressure, but Vivienne remained composed.

“What if we don’t comply? You think you can boss us around with orders? That might work on your own people, but I’m just a regular citizen, not part of your machine. Orders don’t mean squat to me!” she retorted with a defiant lean in her chair.

“And besides, with all those ancient warrior lineages and their impressive skills and secret manuals, Mr. Wolf and I are just ordinary folks. This kind of gig? Not really our cup of tea.”

Lucas was taken aback. He had only just learned of Vivienne’s existence and knew nothing of her personality.

He had mistaken them for pliable kids, only to be surprised by Vivienne’s resistance.

Turning to Percival, Lucas remarked, “You’re one of us, Percival. The first rule of Vanguard Agency is to follow orders!”

casually touched his nose as he said, “Sorry, Lucas, but I resigned a while back. I’m just

eyes twinkled with

with frustration. If it weren’t for his status, he would have scolded them directly. What was so ‘plain’ about

the former leader of Vanguard Agency’s special ops.

guards outside were more ‘plain’ than

Behind the screen.

fabric obscured his view, allowing him only glimpses of

couldn’t see their faces, but recalling the Percival he had encountered earlier and his current stance,

father had praised

young woman, so young yet so

one’s country was the highest honor, and yet she had the gall to refuse. How could Richard Ellington have chosen such

improved either. He realized that

helped the old man regain his composure. Remembering the orders from above, he

have decided to give you full access to the systems during the investigation. With this badge, you can

Percival shared a knowing

the red-sealed document, skimmed it, and

interest, Lucas continued, “All departments will cooperate with your investigation, and you can recruit anyone you trust for your team, regardless of their status—as long

approval and said, “Alright then, I’m

“I’ve

lineages were unknown to them, but they were certain they had to confront the Abernathy family. With national resources backing them, it made their job much easier than going it

there was no reason for them to linger. Lucas was eager for them to leave, having been played by these

study, Vivienne glanced back at the towering screen embroidered with a tiger descending a mountain, completely hiding the view

“What are you looking at?

Vivienne exchanged a

drove while glancing at Vivienne. He asked, “Did you

car and said, “Mr. Wolf, don’t

presence in the room

eyebrows rose; he knew Vivienne was

didn’t at first, but…” he trailed