The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 919

Chapter 919

In the dimly lit room perched atop an old, weathered building, the chief commander, a figure of authority and precision, watched intently through the scope of his high-powered sniper rifle. His target had just wandered into view, and a moment of hesitation flickered in his eyes.

What a predicament.

Knocking on the door of a seemingly abandoned house, Percival called out with a tone cold as the night, "Anybody home? We seem to have lost our way and could really use a glass of water."

As he spoke, his hand casually brushed against the pistol tucked in his belt. Vivienne, following closely behind, mirrored his actions.

Creeeak the door slowly opened, revealing a rugged man with sun-kissed skin and clothes that had seen better days. His face, though marked with traces of hardship, lit up with a warm, genuine smile at the sight of Vivienne and Percival.

Percival was taken aback, not expecting anyone to actually answer. Subtly, he returned his weapon to its holster.

gaze didn't miss a beat. The moment he had spotted Vivienne, he had made a discreet call, ensuring her safety despite the

himself, "Let them have their water, then send them on their way." The rugged man, now aware of his orders through the earpiece, chuckled softly, "You folks

scanning the interior of the modest home. It was a simple place, lacking in

"Does every house around here have someone living in it? It's broad daylight, yet the streets are deserted." The man paused, the voice in his ear guiding him.

lurking danger, it wasn't time to leave. Percival, playing his part, inquired about the easiest way out of

route, claiming it was the only one he knew due to his rare ventures out of the village. Grateful, Percival promised to return the favor once their quest was successful, a kindness the rugged

prepared to

farming techniques, hoping to apply them to their own barren lands back home. Despite the evident risk, they were granted a brief tour of

fields, under the condition

avoid disturbing the

and Vivienne took in the sights of the village, noticing subtle differences in the houses that could easily be missed by an untrained eye. Led to the green fields, they were greeted by a sight of robust crops, a stark contrast to the barren

the rugged man

weight of their discovery heavy between them. The mission

in this game of shadows