The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Scott’s palm tightened as he realized Mr. B had been compromised. If that was the case, what was

Vivienne planning to do next?

He gazed steadily at Vivienne, his expression growing increasingly wary.

Vivienne, for her part, had no interest in exchanging pointless banter with Scott. She cut to the chase

and said, “Where is the research facility for the new bomb?”

For too long, Percival and she had been on the trail of this new weapon.

But whether it was Percival, the Nine Mystics Society, or the Frostfire Intelligence Agency, the intel had

been scant at best.

They had scoured every avenue. Even the car accident from before had not escaped their scrutiny.

And now, they had a lead. But it was still uncertain.

Scott remained tight-lipped.

The research facility for the new bomb was a critical project for the organization. It was an essential

weapon to match up to the power of the Vanguard Agency. Thus, the bomb could not be compromised.

Especially now, as the organization was refining the bomb’s capabilities.

Before Scott had been captured, there had already been significant advancements.

Vivienne was in no rush. She said leisurely, “The Brooks family had a gala two days ago, planning to

auction off a parcel of land. There’s an abandoned factory on it that you once decided to buy, but it’s

been idle ever since. Now Ronald wants to sell it off, trade it for a plot in Eastlake Bay, and build a spa

resort. Do you think it will sell?”

Scott bolted upright, the heart rate monitor beeping rapidly with his agitation.

Yet he clenched his teeth, refusing to utter a single word.

But his reaction was enough.

Vivienne curved her lips. “Thanks, Mr. Brooks.”

With that, she and Percival rose to leave.

The Nine Mystics Society had uncovered three potential sites for the new bomb research, all linked to

the Brooks family.

This was hardly surprising. A bomb research site needed to be remote and quiet, and with Scott in

power, he would have naturally leveraged the Brooks family’s influence to facilitate GTO’s needs.

But a clever fox would always have more than one hideout. Scott had purchased three similar plots of

land in one go yet chose to develop none.

Investigating any of these sites would require significant resources, and if all three were explored

simultaneously, it would inevitably create vulnerabilities.

If they decided to storm one based on a hunch and were wrong, they risked alarming their quarry,

losing the precious lead they had worked so hard to find.

That was why Vivienne had come to Scott today, dropping that particular hint about the land sale.

The truth was the Brooks family had no intention of selling.

Upon leaving the interrogation room, Percival said to Leopold, “Head back to headquarters. We’re

requesting a raid on Eastlake Bay!”

Leopold was taken aback, “Eastlake Bay? But that’s not the Brooks family’s property. Are we raiding

the Brooks family?”

Anna, too, was surprised, but after a moment of contemplation, she grasped the implication.

The Brooks family’s three plots of land were indeed problematic, but the biggest issue was that all three

surrounded Eastlake Bay.

Eastlake Bay had a vast territory with plenty of residential areas and numerous transportation lines.

It had it all, be it passenger, freight traffic, or even the port.

If any of the Brooks family’s plots came under siege, Eastlake Bay would receive immediate news and

could flee via the port or other transportation routes.

By the time they realized what had happened, the new bomb would be long gone.

Given Scott’s cunning, Eastlake Bay was the optimal base location.

The three plots were just decoys.

Vivienne had pinpointed Eastlake Bay on the map at first glance, and her visit today was to confirm her

suspicions with Scott.

Vivienne would not be joining Percival at headquarters.

She would mobilize the Order of Nine Mystics Society first. If the headquarters could not authorize the

mission, then the Nine Mystics Society would take matters into their own hands.

It would not be so complicated if not for Percival’s current restrictions.

The group split up. Vivienne issued the order, deploying all available members in Rivenwood to lie in

wait near Eastlake Bay.

Percival raced to headquarters at top speed.

Thomas and Soren had their teams ready, just waiting for Percival to give the command so they could

move out.

Ten minutes later, Percival emerged from his superior’s office, his hands empty and his expression

dark.

Leopold, already changed into his gear, joined Thomas and Soren in confronting him, “What’s the call?

Do we move out now?”

Percival clenched his fist, glancing up at the three, “Second and third squads stand down. First squad,

strip your combat gear. You’re with me.”

“What?” Soren exclaimed, “Captain, that’s a bomb research facility, and you’re heading there with just

the first squad, unarmed? Are you waiting to get blown up?”

Leopold also lost some of his composure. “Eastlake Bay’s huge; the first squad’s just a few people. Are

you out of your mind?”

Thomas was more composed, speaking gravely, “Captain, what exactly are the higher-ups thinking?”

Percival shed his jacket and tossed it to Thomas. He began donning a stealth operations suit designed

for reconnaissance and concealment, “It’s a residential area. To avoid panic, we must first assess the

situation before we can raid.”

“Darn it!” Soren kicked a trash can in frustration. “With Scott in cuffs, they were already on high alert.

What if something went wrong, and they found you guys?”

Soren was fuming, and both Leopold and Thomas could not understand why the higher-ups were so

cautious.

But, considering the safety of the locals, their caution was somewhat justified.

It was hard to argue with that.

Irritated, Leopold tucked his gun into his waistband and angrily ripped off his bulletproof vest. “This is

freaking suffocating.”

No wonder they were all worked up. The recent operations made the entire special squad feel like they

were punching a pillow.

No satisfaction whatsoever.

The suspects they caught were slipping through their fingers, and they were not even allowed to raid

the discovered hideouts. Instead, they practically served meals to the low-level thugs they brought in!

Percival’s reaction was not as intense. He took out his phone and texted Vivienne.Books Chapters Are

Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates…

[Vivienne, it’s go time.]

Vivienne was not surprised by the message.

Ever since Calista was released without charges, Vivienne had lost some faith in the leadership at the

Vanguard Agency.

She just lacked solid evidence.

Similar to Astrid and her team, agencies like the Vanguard Agency had many factors to consider before

taking action, including their own rules and regulations.

When it came to raiding a new bomb-making facility, the list of considerations was even longer.

But Vivienne was different. She could ensure that the surrounding residential area was absolutely safe

before launching an assault on the lab.

No need to promise anyone else. Just assuring herself was enough.

With the backup of the Vanguard Agency, she could play a supporting role on the periphery. Without

them, she was more than capable on her own.

Vivienne texted Draven: [Raid Eastlake Bay!]

Half an hour later, Draven called.

“Boss, we hit a dead end,” he said.

Vivienne paused, her expression turning grim. “What happened?”

Draven sounded genuinely apologetic. Even through the phone, one could picture him hanging his

head in shame. “We were a step too late. By the time we got there, the place was cleared out.”