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."

raised an eyebrow, "Is

nodded. Such an item had been part of their lives

began to doubt, "Is that really

bedside, making sure she was comfortable, then sat down,

injuries are minor. You shouldn't neglect your work on my account. The nurses are here; you

Mom. I wouldn't trust anyone else to care

up her mind; she wouldn't let history repeat itself. She was determined to ensure her mother's

Vivienne. I won't

thought you had given up on the lab these past few

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,

"I heard Vivienne mentioning something new at the lab.

remembered the doctor's advice to only eat a

as she softly explained, "It's all

your mother? After all, you've learned everything from me.

to tell

mysterious!" Anna seemed intrigued, her gaze fixed on

reluctantly shared, "Vivienne speculated it might be related to the people who tried to assassinate us yesterday. But when the box was retrieved, it was sealed. Vivienne probably had someone open

narrowed her eyes,

QUMS

as if

journey to find you, suggesting Vivienne possesses something

whoever can find it."

of the rumors but doubted anyone could pose a real threat to Vivienne,

warned, "I know Vivienne is skilled, but we mustn't lower our guard.

reminded of the unexpected