The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Percival steered his car into the Vanguard Agency’s Rivenwood headquarters parking lot. Soren, Anna, and the rest of the crew were already there, all decked out in the Agency's crisp uniforms.

Today was the day Percival would officially step into the role of Deputy Director.

Every member of the Rivenwood Vanguard Agency was dressed to the nines for the promotion ceremony.

In the absence of the Director, the Deputy Director was the top dog. This ceremony was pretty much Percival taking the reins of the Rivenwood headquarters.

“Captain, why are you behind the wheel?” Soren approached, eyeing Percival as he climbed out of the driver's seat. Beside him, Leopold was snoozing like a log, enough to make Soren’s teeth itch with irritation.

How could Leopold let the captain drive himself here? Especially now that Percival was stepping up as Deputy Director, with the whole headquarters watching. Where did that leave his dignity? Everyone knew Soren was Percival’'s number-one fanboy. Any threat to Percival’s prestige was a no-go in Soren’s book.

Micah once joked that if Percival said the Vanguard Agency should cease to exist, Soren would probably tear down all the branches brick by brick.

Like today, Soren was more excited about the ceremony than Percival himself, so excited he had not slept a wink all night.

Percival tossed the keys to Soren and took the uniform jacket Anna handed him. “Get that sleepy mutt on his feet.” Without a word, Soren hoisted Leopold out of the car, nearly popping his shoulder out of its socket.

After changing into his uniform, Percival headed to the af oriums The whole staff was there, and as Percival stepped out, applause thundered around the room, Soren’s clapping nearly deafening Leopold by his side.

Anna sat behind Soren, rolling her eyes at his antics. She was convinced that if Soren were a woman, he would be Vivienne’s fiercest love rival.

Percival took his seat amid the leaders, right in the center.

“The Director's out, I'm calling the shots. Meeting adjourned.” The crowd was stunned. Was Percival, now the Deputy Director, not one for a big speech? A fellow leader whispered, “Deputy, say a few words, will you? Morale’s been low; a pep talk could do wonders.” Percival’s brow furrowed subtly.

Low morale? Nerves frayed? He took the mic and strolled to the stage, his intimidating presence casting a chill.

“I hear morale’s been low. Three miles weighted runs after work, starting today. Let's cut the drama, or do you fancy a short life?” The Vanguard Agency's missions were critical; low morale meant slack performance, which could end in an unmarked grave with nobody the wiser.

Need a morale boost? Percival saw that as a death wish.

Everyone straightened their backs; no one dared admit to low morale now.

Percival was never one to do a pep talk in meetings. To him, getting the orders passed down was more than sufficient.

What was the point of inspiring speeches? Even a bonus would be much more effective in boosting morale.

As Percival swept the room with his icy gaze, ready to put the mic down, the auditorium doors swung open.

Without turning, he sensed the newcomer’s chilly aura.

With everyone present and Micah in lockdown, who could it be? As he turned, his eyes narrowed, suppressing a flash of hostility as he saw who it was.

“Percival makes a fair point. Working for the Vanguard Agency means risking your neck. If your morale is down, that’s a one-way ticket to the underworld. Keep that to your pillow talk, and never let it into the field, or you'll lose your head, and nobody can save you.” Percival watched the man who leaped onto the stage with agile grace, no need for a mic to make his voice heard.

It was none other than Vance, the second-in-command of the Sea City headquarters! Vance approached Percival with an outstretched hand. “Percival, pleased to meet you. I'm Vance Edwards.” Percival’s handshake was firm, feeling the callouses of a man never far from his gun.

“Percival Ellington,” he introduced himself, eyes locked on Vance’s.

Vance’s easy smile did not waver as he took the mic. “I'm Vance Edwards, the director of Sea City headquarters, but I've just been informed my undercover assignment has ended. I'll continue as director of the Vanguard Agency headquarters, and | look forward to your support.” Percival’s brow creased.

Continue as the director of the Vanguard Agency? Could it be that the long-absent Vanguard Agency Director was Vance? With the power of both Sea City’s second-in-command and Rivenwood director in his hands, his influence was astronomical.

Amid the crowd's shock, Vance continued, “I was due for a promotion after my mission, but with Micah’s incident, I'm back for a while. When he returns, I'll get that promotion. Keep it under wraps, or if my promotion’s blocked, it'll be your bonuses on the line.” It was clearly a joke, but no one dared to laugh.

It was supposed to be Percival’s knighthood ceremony, his moment of glory, but Vance just had to crash the party. Was the director trying to show his deputy who was boss around here?Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates...

No one cracked a smile at Vance’s sudden appearance, and he clicked his tongue in mock disappointment.

“What's with you folks, lost your sense of humor?” Percival just shot him a look and flashed a half-smile, “Welcback to the team, Director Vance.” Only after Percival’s cue did the room erupt in a warm round of applause. With a playful wave of his hand, Vance said, “Alright, break it up, everyone. And about that three-mile run Percival just assigned, consider it canceled.

But mark my words, any future slip-ups, and we're starting at six miles.” Just like that, Vance stole the spotlight and overturned Percival’s orders—a classic power move.

As the meeting dispersed, a few senior leaders took Vance to his office to get him up to speed.

Even though Vance used to run the show at the Vanguard Agency, things had changed over the years, and he would need a refresher.

Meanwhile, Percival headed to what used to be Micah’s office, which now bore his own non the door.

Anna stood guard outside while Leopold and Soren followed him in.

“Damn it,” Soren cursed under his breath, “the director clearly cback just to show you up. Does he even have the appointment and personnel decision? This is infuriating!”