The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Leopold was buzzing with excitement.

The high-tech gadgets at Vanguard Agency weren't typically available for public use.

Guarded by a dedicated team, even the interrogation equipment was off-limits to field agents like him.

If it weren't for the recent crackdown by the War God within the agency, which had somewhat loosened the reins on such devices, he wouldn't have had a chance to borrow it.

Vivienne commanded, "Scan her."

With a tilt of her chin, she gestured toward Ramona. A playful smirk finally danced on her lips. "Ms. Grimshaw claims I shoved her. She should have my fingerprints on her, right? Take a look for me, will you?" "What are you doing to me?" Ramona's expression twisted in fear the moment she heard "fingerprint scanner."

Luckily, she was looking down, hiding her face from the crowd.

But as Leopold strode over to her, she could no longer maintain her composure. "Don't touch me! Please, someone, help! Keep them away from me!"

Vivienne smiled thinly. "What are you afraid of? That they'll find others' fingerprints on you but none of mine?"

Kala raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Vivienne, do you know something we don't?"

How else could Leopold just happen to bring the scanner today?

Vivienne didn't answer her immediately. Instead, she addressed everyone present. "Why not check your phones? Ms. Grimshaw has been seen with a different man every night for months-from entertainment moguls to hotshot directors, all guests behind her curtain."

"That's slander!" Ramona burst forth, tears streaking her face. “Ms. Hawthorne, you may dislike me, but you can't just toy with my reputation like this!"

She had been standing close to Jackson, which had prevented Leopold from making his move.

Now, seizing her moment of vulnerability, Leopold stepped in front of her. With a ping, the scanner displayed all of Ramona's fingerprints.

glanced at the readout, then handed the device to Percival. "Percival, hold this, will you? If it breaks, I can't report back, and War God will have

The beauty of this advanced

swipe with the scanner, and it would immediately search

Ramona grew increasingly bizarre. "Ms. Grimshaw, you've been quite busy today, haven't you? The

really that

idea it was this sophisticated.

a plethora of

Good heavens!

So many people!

stopped reading-it was

prompted by Vivienne, everyone else began checking their

name stood out at the top, the word

the industry had its own rules-the fewer words, the

hotels with different men, emerging from dinner parties-the evidence was damning. "Holy smokes! Now I get

shots... it seems she's had a steady stream of company these past few

deceiving! Who knew such a pure-looking flower was

more disdainful and disgusted

skin-painful and uncomfortable. She could guess what the photos online looked like, but

just don't cross!" Her delicate hands clenched into fists, her voice

sound of her knuckles cracking didn't escape

from what I remember, your file said your parents were just blue-collar workers. Not exactly the type to rub elbows with industry giants since

we're both done for!" Jackson scanned the online content at lightning speed, stepping

head, sobering her up instantly. Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ FɪndNøvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access

tactics were formidable! She shuddered