The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Percival presented his ID to the guard, who scanned it and did a visible double-take. A newfound respect tinged with puzzlement washed over his face as he looked up at Percival again.

“Deputy Director, please cinside.” The guard swung the wrought-iron gate open, watching as Percival strode through.

Vivienne glanced back, slightly taken aback that even the gatekeeper seemed deeply enmeshed with the Vanguard Agency.

And more so, he recognized Percival’s rank.

Once inside the estate, it was a further ten-minute drive before Percival parked the car.

Stepping out alongside Percival, Vivienne was met with two individuals approaching, each holding a sleek, black satchel that housed the latest model of detection devices - the one Griffin had invented.

These devices had not even hit the market yet, and here, the Linklater security team each had one in hand.

“Apologies, but we'll need to collect all electronic devices, including cell phones and cameras.” Percival nonchalantly tossed his phone, wallet, and even his wristwatch into one of the satchels.

Spreading his arms, he allowed the security personnel to sweep their detectors over him.

Vivienne followed suit, her watch joining Percival’s belongings in the bag.

After the check, Percival took Vivienne’s hand, and, led by one of the guards, they finally entered the main hall of the Linklater estate.

Navigating through the corridors, Vivienne glimpsed a grand staircase leading up to the Linklaters’ living quarters.

She sighed silently. [x] The security measures were nearly as stringent as airport checks, minus the conveyor belt and x-ray machine.

Percival squeezed her hand and whispered, audible only to the two of them, “Yorick’s got his rules, but he’s nice.

No need to worry. Not the boogeyman type.” Vivienne chuckled, “Good to hear he’s not the boogeyman, or we'd be surrounded by them.” With a shared smile, they continued into the Linklater residence.

The person who cout to greet them was a surprise.

“Vivienne, it’s you two.” It was Diana.

Vivienne eyed Diana with surprise, not expecting to find her here.

Diana said to the man behind her, “Dracon, letintroduce you. This is my father’s goddaughter, Vivienne Hawthorn, and her fiancé, Percival Ellington. Vivienne, Dracon Linklater and | were college buddies. We're here visiting Yorick today. Your grandfather even specially mentioned | spend sextra twith Yorick.” Diana’s words were loaded with implications.

College buddies, especially mentioned.

Could it be that Jasper intended for Diana to forge a bond with the Linklater family? It was also apparent that Jasper and Yorick were old acquaintances.

Dracon stepped forward, shaking Percival’s hand. “You must be Percival Ellington. My father speaks of you often.” Vivienne's gaze dropped, sensing, perhaps mistakenly, that Dracon was deliberately overlooking her.

After Diana's introduction, courtesy dictated that Dracon should at least acknowledge her presence, yet he bypassed her to greet Percival directly.

Vivienne could not help but inwardly sigh at the prospect of yet another enemy.

“Vivienne and | are here to see Yorick today, and | apologize for any inconvenience. Is he available?” Percival’s tone was polite but firm, emphasizing Vivienne’s importance.

It was clear that Percival genuinely respected Yorick and, by extension, treated his family with great care.

“He is, but it’s not a good time. My father’s not feeling well,” Dracon said apologetically.

Percival’s brows furrowed with concern. “What's wrong with Yorick?” “Just the old issues flaring up. He's not been well since a cold he caught a few days back,” Dracon replied, leading Percival towards the parlor, never once glancing at Vivienne.

Diana followed Dracon closely, and though they did not speak, their movements were in sync, suggesting a subtle intimacy.

“What did the doctors say about Yorick’s illness?” Percival asked.

Dracon shook his head. “They didn’t say much, but the implication is that my father might be bedridden from here on out. The injuries from his youth are catching up to him.” The concern on Percival’s face was as palpable as when Richard fell ill.

Vivienne had not wanted to get involved, but seeing Percival’s distress, she was willing to offer her help to Mr.

Wolf.

“Mr. Linklater, | have smedical knowledge. If it's okay with you, Id like to have a look at Yorick. Maybe | can help,” Vivienne said, her tone warm yet respectful.

To her surprise, Dracon’s gaze hardened as he surveyed her, “You? Specter Healer? Such a young lady making such bold claims.” Vivienne had spoken up for Percival’s sake, but Dracon’s response left her cold.

If Yorick were not so esteemed by Percival and Karen, she would not have offered help even if he were dying before her.

She lifted her gaze to Dracon, her eyes narrowing, a chill emanating from her.

But then, she hesitated. Dracon had called her the Specter Healer.

She had never formally introduced herself to the Linklaters, but somehow, Dracon had already pegged her identity.

She shot a glance at Diana, realizing that her title must've cup in conversation more than a few times around Dracon.

“If there’s an ailment Vivienne can't fix, then | doubt there's a soul out there who can,” Percival said with a scowl, the ounce of respect he had earlier evaporating into thin air. “Since Yorick is indisposed today, we might as well reschedule.”Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates...

His courtesy towards Dracon had been nothing but a courtesy extended through Yorick. Now that Dracon showed Vivienne no respect, why would he bother with pleasantries? Sensing the tension, Diana quickly stepped in to smooth things over. “Percival, Dracon can be a bit blunt, true, but it’s only because he’s anxious about Yorick’s illness. Let's not get upset.” Vivienne could not help but chuckle; Diana was acting as if she were the lady of the Linklater family.

Between the lines of her peace-making, Vivienne could tell the implication was clear: they were guests who had overstepped, trying to meddle in affairs that were not theirs to handle.

“We're not upset. But right now, I’m more concerned about your vision than Yorick,” Vivienne said, her gaze drifting towards the security monitors that lined the front of the Linklater Mansion.

The screens showed every angle from the mansion’s outer gates to the front door. Such an oversight, and yet when Diana had seen Vivienne, her surprise was almost convincing.

Quite the actress, Vivienne mused.

Diana, catching the sarcasm, could only offer a strained chuckle. “Don’t worry, I've got you, right?” Vivienne laughed softly. “I don’t have the time.” As the words left her lips, an alarm suddenly blared from a south-facing room on the second floor of the Linklater Mansion.

A flurry of figures dressed in medical garb burst from the room, shouting towards Dracon, “It's bad! Yorick’s blood pressure has spiked, and there's bleeding in the brain. If we don’t operate immediately, I'm afraid...”