The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Daphne's eyes flashed with a hint of agony. "Those people were hell-bent on hunting me down. For Anna's safety, I had no choice but to take a death-faking pill to fool them."

Sasha pursed her lips and sighed, "Where have you been all these years? Why didn't you contact us? Even the Vanguard Agency couldn't track you down."

"We all thought you were... gone," Sasha exhaled, struggling to accept the news back then.

Daphne candidly replied, "My memory has been in and out over the years. Sometimes I remember clearly, other times I forget everything. But I've never stopped trying to find news about you and the team. If only I had known how... profound the effects of that drug would be."

"Ouch!" Daphne clutched her head in pain before burying her face in the pillow, a look of agony on her face.

"Mom, is it the headache again?"

"Stop thinking about it."

Sasha, witnessing Daphne's sudden pain, couldn't tell if it was real or an act.

Anna explained, "Karen, this is the aftereffect of the death-faking pill my mom took years ago. Recalling the past triggers her headaches, leaving her unable to think of anything..."

As they parted, Daphne handed Sasha a medallion, insisting she take it.

Sasha examined the tarnished object before pocketing it with a nod.

Anna requested time off from Vivienne, "Vivienne, I won't be able to stick by you these next few days. The lab, too."

Understanding her friend's predicament, Vivienne reassured her with a pat on the shoulder, "Don't worry. The artifacts from the Wright family have been delivered to the lab. With Brody there, everything will be fine." Anna felt slightly relieved and nodded.

With experts like Percival and Leopold by Vivienne's side, she wasn't overly concerned.

In the hallway, Sasha held the medallion, her expression tense. "This was the first honor Amaya won at the Vanguard Agency, a symbol of her identity."

an eyebrow, "Is

an item had been part of their lives for too

began to doubt, "Is

making sure she was comfortable, then sat down, clearly not planning

to persuade her, "Sweetie, my injuries are minor. You shouldn't neglect your work on my account. The nurses are here; you should focus on your

wouldn't trust anyone else to

repeat itself.

won't

you had given up on

fruit basket, skillfully peeled it. "Being with Vivienne doesn't mean I'm abandoning the lab. I'll be there whenever Vivienne needs me, but I'll return to the lab when I'm free. After all, that's where

"I heard Vivienne mentioning something new at the lab. What is

the apple but remembered the doctor's advice to only

on the table as she softly explained, "It's all work-related. You

mother? After all, you've learned everything from me. How do you know I wouldn't

don't want to tell you. It's just that even I'm not

intrigued, her gaze fixed on Anna,

be related to the people who tried to assassinate us yesterday. But when the box was

narrowed her eyes,

QUMS

if

you, suggesting Vivienne possesses something

whoever can find it."

was aware of the rumors but doubted anyone could pose a real threat to

but we mustn't lower our

of the unexpected