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 my hide." Percival, his eyebrows

his phone, which connected to the scanner via Bluetooth. The beauty of this advanced

and

grew increasingly bizarre. "Ms. Grimshaw, you've been quite busy today, haven't you? The CEO of Fun Entertainment Co., a well-known director-hey, even the

really

no idea it was this sophisticated. As she watched Ramona's complexion sour,

screen and saw a plethora of

Good heavens!

So many people!

Leopold stopped reading-it was

prompted by Vivienne, everyone

stood out at the top, the word "scandal" in bold,

industry had its own rules-the fewer words, the

Ramona entering hotels with different men, emerging from dinner parties-the evidence

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

such a

more disdainful and disgusted

the photos

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

sound of her knuckles cracking didn't escape Vivienne and

from what I remember, your file said your parents were just blue-collar workers. Not exactly the type

content at lightning speed, stepping in to intercept Ramona before she could react. They hadn't infiltrated this circle just to stir up

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

She shuddered openly at