The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Gillian was stealthily tightening her grip on the reins of the Vanguard Agency, and since she was on an equal footing with Vance, no one dared to voice their concerns. After all, she was sent by the top brass, and they had no choice but to stomach her presence.

The tension was palpable on the training grounds, where Gillian’s grudge had festered. She targeted Thomas mercilessly, attempting to strip him of his squad leader privileges.

Her momentum was formidable and demanded attention.

Moreover, there was a strong possibility that F-Poison was lurking in her shadow.

That faceless entity could take any disguise, even assGillian’s identity.

Should that prove true, the consequences would be dire.

Inside her apartment, Gillian walked in to find a scene of disarray.

Casting a disdainful glance at the shattered remains of Mara’s bedroom door, she scoffed. “You can’t even handle a simple task.” “Then you do it!” Mara retorted, tending to her wounds.

That Anna had really done a number on her, with no regard for the injuries she had inflicted.

Gillian rolled her eyes. “Keep an eye on Aaron and handle your own mess. Now, there’s another thorn in our side; Anna’s been reassigned to Elite University. No telling what mission she’s on, so stay sharp.” At the mention of Anna’s name, Mara snapped a cotton swab in frustration, “What's there to watch with her?” “The boss said Anna is Vivienne’s confidante. She’s definitely up to something, either targeting you or Aaron.

We're supposed to turn the Miller family against them, and this will put us at a huge disadvantage. Be careful,” Gillian lectured with strained patience. a “One minute, I'm stirring trouble for Aaron; the next, I'm shadowing Anna. Do | look like a tool to you?” Gillian’s expression darkened with anger. “Why all the questions? If you want revenge, shut up and report any odd behavior from Anna immediately! And we shouldn’t meet for a while; | don’t have tfor you. Make Aaron ours, and don't tip off Anna. You might have already tipped Aaron off with today’s stunt. Be more cautious.” With those parting words, Gillian left.

Mara cursed under her breath and continued applying her ointment.

She wouldn't let Anna off the hook so easily.

At Elite University, Aaron stood grim-faced in front of the graduate school building.

His presence drew curious stares from passing students; after all, he was a notable figure at the university, although he was seldom seen outside of the finance department. His rare appearance today piqued interest.

Mara emerged alone and smiled as she approached Aaron.

“Aaron, what brings you here? Waiting for me?” Suddenly, Aaron pulled Mara away, quickening his pace.

“Hey, Aaron, what's the rush? You're hurting me!” He dragged Mara to a secluded spot before releasing her hand with a forceful jerk.

Mara massaged her reddened wrist, tearfully looking at Aaron. “What are you doing?” “What am | doing? Mara, | want to know what happened yesterday!” Aaron wasn't a fool; he wouldn't lose consciousness without reason.

He had planned to meet with Vivienne while she was treating Mara’s injuries, but instead, he ended up locked in his room, unconscious.

If Mara weren't involved, it would be a miracle.

Mara rubbed her wrist. “I should be asking you about yesterday. | had decided to play matchmaker for you and Vivienne, but why did you bring Kenneth into this? Did you want Percival to find out and kickout of Rivenwood?” “I didn’t bring Kenneth!” Aaron roared.

“Why are you yelling? If | hadn't fainted from pain yesterday, Kenneth and Anna would have beatup. Look at my injuries, and you're blaming me?” Mara lifted her skirt to reveal her bruises, “I'm trying to help you, and this is the thanks I get?” Aaron examined Mara’s leg wounds. “How did you get hurt like this?” “How should | know?” Mara huffed, seating herself on a nearby bench. “You say you didn’t bring Kenneth there, so who was it? He cwith Anna. Maybe she brought him?” “It’s possible.” Aaron knew about Kenneth'’s feelings for Anna.

It wasn’t out of the question for them to arrive together, but what was Anna’s motive? Mara watched Aaron’s expression and internally gloated before suggesting, “Back in Sea City, Anna and Percival were close. Maybe she’s onto something?” Aaron’s gaze narrowed; Anna had indeed been seeking him out frequently under the guise of discussing graduate studies, but there was an air of surveillance about her.

Could it be Percival’s doing? Aaron was in the dark about Anna’s connection to Vivienne, but he knew Anna was a Vanguard Agency operative. To him, her ties to Percival seemed stronger.

He felt a sting of frustration.

Was Percival planting a spy right under his nose, intending to drive a wedge between him and Vivienne? Mara saw Aaron’s stormy expression and knew she had him hooked. This was playing out perfectly.

“I understand how you feel, but trust me, | said | would help, and | meant it. If you don’t need me, | can leave anytime. | hope in the future you won't misunderstand me.” With that, Mara limped away.

Aaron watched her departing figure, his eyes growing more inscrutable by the moment.

Meanwhile, Vivienne received an unexpected call from Ronald Brooks.

“Vivienne, do you have a moment? Can we meet, just the two of us?” Ronald rarely called Vivienne, and when he did, it was never to meet alone; it was always with the Brooks family.

This time, however, his tone was grave, and his request was unusual.

Vivienne nodded. “Sure, sendthe address.”Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates...

Ronald had already staked out a spot at the usual café, a quaint little establishment with a view of the bustling city street. He caught sight of Vivienne as she approached and waved her over eagerly.

“Vivienne, over here!” Vivienne threaded through the tables and took a seat. “What's going on?” Glancing around to ensure their privacy, Ronald leaned in and retrieved a dossier from his briefcase.

“Vivienne, something's fishy. The bionic tech project has been sailing too smoothly, but I've stumbled upon a black market deal for hidden cameras using bionic tech. This stuff hasn't hit the mainstream yet; it’s the spatent that Aaron brought to us for collaboration not too long ago. But now, it’s popping up on the black market.” A crease formed between Vivienne’s brows. Had their hidden cameras already leaked? This fast? She flipped through the dossier, recognizing the hidden camera as the very item she had handed off to Aaron.

“How long have you known about this?” Vivienne inquired, concern lacing her words.

“I discovered it this morning and called you right away,” Ronald replied. “But there's something else that’s off.

Ever heard of the Linklater family?” Vivienne nodded with a trace of recognition in her gaze. “Dracon Linklater? What about him?”