The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

In the suburbs, at an expansive estate.

A woman in a crimson gown lounged languidly on a sofa, a glass of merlot in her hand. "Take this little toy and have a go at the people on the list. Remember, you must succeed with Karen." "But won't this spook the target?" A young man's voice crackled through the static, cautious and hesitant. Vivienne would immediately recognize the voice.

The woman swirled her wine, half her face lost in shadows. "That's the point. Where's the fun if she doesn't notice?" Her fingers, painted a vibrant scarlet, tapped against the glass. "If you're scared, I can always find someone else. But then, the poison inside you will remain without an antidote." "No, no... I'll do it!" The man hastily replied, panic in his voice. "But you know I'm no match for Vivienne. Plus, there's always someone guarding Karen. I..." "So troublesome," the woman muttered, clearly annoyed.

She wouldn't be wasting her twith this incompetent if she didn't have to conserve her resources.

Leaning forward, she set her glass down and turned to another figure cloaked in black. "You, head over to Rivenwood. Make sure you bring back a sample of Karen's DNA." The figure before her, eyes cast down, responded with a reverent "Yes, ma'am." Meanwhile, having sorted their basic needs, Vivienne and Percival had just arrived at the Oasis Resort, where Lucas lived.

The guard at the gate swept his gaze over them, offering a crisp salute, "Good evening, please present your identification." Percival wasn't surprised and handed over the pre-prepared IDs, explaining to Vivienne, "Lucas, being a man of importance, always has tight security. Any outsider needs a thorough check and a pat-down." "A pat-down?" Vivienne's gaze flickered with amusement.

No wonder Mr. Wolf insisted she leave all her weapons in the car.

As she scanned the robust guards, she quipped, "Don't you have any female officers? I wouldn't want Mr. Wolf to get jealous." Percival rolled his eyes internally: So now I'm the jealous type, huh? Vivienne: Aren't you? The guard, after ensuring their IDs were in order, returned it and was stunned to hear Vivienne's question. Looking at his colleague, he thought, "Does working as a guard involve being forced to watch couples show off their love?" However, looking at Vivienne's curvy body, the two young guards blushed slightly and said, "One moment, I'll get Cassie." Women rarely frequented here, and the air itself seemed to carry a decidedly masculine charge.

In Lucas' residence, other than the maid, Cassie, who had worked for him for years, and his daughter, who held a position in a certain secretive department, everything else was male. Plus, even the highly important people who visited were mostly males. Thus, there were no female guards.

Thankfully, Cassie, with years of service under her belt, stepped forward to search Vivienne. Finding no threats, she ushered them into the Oasis Resort.

"Mr. Toynbee, Mr. Ellington and Ms. Hawthorn have arrived," she announced upon reaching the study.

Inside the study, Lucas sat in a posture that commanded respect. His aging eyes, sharp as ever, regarded the man before him. "Have them wait in the living room; I'll be down shortly." Once Cassie's footsteps faded, Arthur spoke up, "I'll leave you to it, Mr. Toynbee. I'll cby tomorrow." Lucas dismissed him with a wave. "No need, sit behind the screen. It won't hurt to listen." Arthur hesitated but complied.

Was Lucas trying to limit his interaction with Percival? Hidden in the shadows behind the screen, Arthur's eyes darkened with thought.

Soon after, Cassie led Percival and Vivienne into the study.

Upon entering, Vivienne felt a crushing aura of authority. She casually followed Percival, both greeting the elder statesman in unison, "Good evening, Mr. Toynbee." They also discreetly assessed the seated figure of authority.

Vivienne had worked with many high-profile individuals, men of varying demeanors, but none quite like an air of danger about him, a grizzled tiger that commanded fear and respect despite his age.

"Have a seat." Lucas nodded slightly.

Percival guided Vivienne to sit across from Lucas, his voice laced with deference, "What brings us here this late, Mr. Toynbee?" Cassie served coffee and left the room. Lucas took a sip before speaking, "The reason I've called you tonight is to relay a message from the higher-ups." Vivienne's gaze remained calm, but her mind was racing. What matter required bypassing the Vanguard Agency and needed the commander to deliver? Percival appeared to share her thoughts, his lips parting to question.

Lucas, as if anticipating their inquiries, began, "The Vanguard Agency is currently unstable. Even after reorganization, the top brass isn't keen on relying on it. Percival, your track record and abilities are well recognized. Thus, they wish for you to establish a new department dedicated to national security." Vivienne glanced at Percival, unsurprised to meet his gaze. The unspoken understanding between them was palpable.

Percival's voice was calm but pointed. "I suspect that's not the only directive from above." Veridia already had its security bureaus. Creating another department would overlap with the existing ones.

Lucas didn't bother hiding the truth. "That's the main task, indeed. However, there's another assignment they want you to handle." "What might that be?" Percival and Vivienne asked in unison.

Lucas's gaze was sharp as a rapier as it swept over the two of them. "You're now aware of the existence of the ancient warrior lineages. In the annals of Veridia, stretching back thousands of years, no one knows exactly how long these families have walked the earth. In the past, due to their services, and at a twhen the country was in dire straits, the leaders of the day chose not to take any action against them. Even over the years, successive Veridian leaders have refrained from suppressing them excessively."Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates...

Vivienne and Percival listened in silence, their eyes different yet shining with the sintensity. Perhaps they already had an inkling of what the other purpose was.

Sure enough, Lucas's tone, which had been somewhat wistful, suddenly sharpened. "However, members of the ancient warrior lineage must never ascend to high positions within e the country. Two powers keeping each other in check, and now, those people are getting too audacious. The higher-ups have noticed their ambitions to usurp control but lack the evidence to act. Your other mission is to delve into the secrets of these ancient warrior lineages and uncover evidence of their subversive activities!" "I have a question," Vivienne interjected calmly.