The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

The midday sun streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow on the scattered rose petals that hadn't been cleaned up yet. Vivienne walked through, feeling a rare moment of serene beauty in the chaos.

After finishing a meal that was too late for breakfast and too early for lunch, Vivienne's phone, silent throughout the morning, finally rang.

Draven was brief. "Miss, there's movement at the Wright estate."

"Keep an eye on them," Vivienne instructed.

Percival cleared the dishes and took off his apron. "Heading to the Wrights?"

"Back to the Linklaters first," Vivienne's eyes narrowed slightly in thought.

Upon their arrival at the Linklater mansion, only Yorick was present in the grand hall.

Seeing Vivienne and Percival, Yorick's face broke into a smile. "Ah, Vivienne, Percival, come in, sit down."

"Grandfather!" they exclaimed in unison.

Yorick nodded, smiling warmly. "Your parents are out, scouting new venues for the wedding."

Vivienne cut straight to the chase. "Grandpa, that's not why I'm here today."

Yorick's expression sobered, perhaps guessing the reason. "Vivienne, I looked into what you told me, but just because she's been abroad for decades doesn't necessarily mean she's..."

Vivienne understood the dilemma; with age, familial bonds often deepen, complicating matters.

"All that matters," she said, "is whether she is or isn't the person in question, it doesn't absolve her of suspicion."

Yorick, having dedicated his life to serving the country, understood all too well.

He hesitated before speaking. "You gave your uncle a chance last time for my sake, and I won't ask you to compromise for personal reasons again, not when it concerns someone the state cannot tolerate." Vivienne waited patiently.

Vanguard Agency with distinction; he saw the bigger

up, his voice firm. "I've

to be greeted by a pungent smell of blood. Inside, rather than finding Hailey, they discovered a young

here?" Vivienne

target of a national manhunt, but this act of brutality left no room for

her voice hard. "Hailey

knew of Abigail's special abilities; Yorick

the real Hailey, then the

her resolve

the scene, suggested they might still catch Abigail

Vivienne held him back. "Remember what Abigail said

Vivienne realized, an eerie motive that didn't entirely make sense to

outraged, vowed to protect Vivienne at all costs. "She dares to harm you, I'd give my last breath

end

guilt and resolve, promised his unconditional support. This enemy, he

the chapel

Vivienne and Percival

facing both internal strife

the estate, they were struck by the eerie stillness

"Ms. Hawthorn, you've

a flicker of unease passing

"Ms. Hawthorn, rest assured, Winston

remained unfazed,

Please, follow me." Colin walked ahead with a casual stride, while Vivienne and Percival exchanged

had failed

Deep within the castle...

front of a hidden door, turning around to face them, "Ms. Hawthorn, the person you're looking for is right