The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Without hesitation, Soren fed Anna the last life-saving pill, ensuring she was quickly lifted onto a stretcher.

Meanwhile, Percival and Leopold rounded up every suspicious character within sight. Regardless of their protests and cries of innocence, they took no chances, erring on the side of caution rather than risk letting a spy slip through their grasp.

Those trained in the art of espionage were highly alert and masterful actors. Their disguises were so convincing that even the sharpest detective eyes might fail to discern their true nature.

Soon, they had filled two vans with captives, and Leopold, unable to stand, slumped beside Percival on one knee.

“Hang in there, Leopold,” Percival urged, supporting him with one arm to prevent him from slipping into unconsciousness.

Thomas had arrived with reinforcements, and the National Intelligence Bureau's backup had also reached the scene. The situation was finally under control, with the threat of a secondary explosion averted, and all the injured had been rushed to the hospital, including Gillian, who was now in the ICU.

By the time Soren was admitted to the hospital, he was unconscious, with shards of glass lodged perilously inside him.

Karen, who took over his care, was stunned by the severity of his injuries.

“Frost, didn’t you give him a life-saving pill?” Karen knew Vivienne always carried life-saving pills for emergencies, especially for missions like these, where they were stocked in abundance.

Given Soren’s critical condition, it was unthinkable that Vivienne wouldn't have administered one.

Vivienne frowned slightly. “I did, but I think he shared them with his team. Mom, he’s in your hands now. | need to check on Anna and Astrid.” “Okay,” Karen responded without further inquiry. Time was of the essence, and every second counted.

After two nights and a day, Karen and Vivienne managed to save all the injured. For those who lost their limbs from the blast, they reattached limbs that could be salvaged. Unfortunately, for those whose limbs were lost, there was nothing more they could do.

The mission resulted in the capture of twenty-three individuals, one of whom turned out to be an innocent bystander. After receiving hefty compensation from Percival, he was released.

The remaining twenty-two were found with traces of ST-0, confirming their espionage without a doubt.

The Vanguard Agency suffered over a hundred injuries, and all members of the National Intelligence Bureau's team led by Astrid were wounded. The financial loss amounted to fifty million dollars.

Fortunately, the explosion had occurred away from residential areas, sparing civilians from harm.

The Rivenwood General Administration issued a stern rebuke to its entire staff, starting with Vance, who faced a severe reprimand and the cancellation of his special commendation.

The director of the Sea City headquarters was blunt over the phone. “Listen, Vance, you either find the person primarily responsible, or you pack up and return to your Edwards family!” Vance knew the culprit was either Thomas or Gillian. Vance and Micah never got in close proximity to the command console and were discussing the plan on the desk at the side. The others were all occupied in their corresponding positions. Thomas and Gillian were the only two with access to the command console, while Thomas was responsible for using the microphone.

However, Vance was certain it wasn’t Thomas, given his years of reliable service as Percival’s right hand. Plus, Thomas had always been the most sensible and cautious team leader of the three, or else Vance would not have made him captain after Percival.

The only logical suspect remained Gillian, but without evidence—since the surveillance footage from the command vehicle was damaged in the explosion—the truth was still obscured.

In the hospital, Gillian slowly regained consciousness. She had suffered a severe blow to the back of her head, and despite surgery, the pain was excruciating.

A young nurse who had been by her side immediately called for a doctor when she awoke.

“You just need some rest and to avoid stress to prevent headaches and dizziness,” the doctor advised after examining her and prescribed some medication before urging her to discharge herself. The hospital was overwhelmed, and with the ICU at capacity, even ordinary wards were in high demand. Given how light Gillian’s injury was, she should not be occupying a bed.

“But doctor, my head hurts so badly. What if something happens after | leave? | can’t be discharged.” “Your headache is just a postoperative reaction. If it’s unbearable, ask a nurse for a painkiller injection, but you must leave. There are no beds left, and others are waiting. Please pack your things and leave by this afternoon.

Thank you for your cooperation,” the doctor replied, his patience worn thin by the relentless influx of patients.

Gillian continued to argue, but the doctor ignored her and left.

Meanwhile, Vivienne was still watching over things in the ICU. Anna and Astrid’s situation had yet to improve, and Soren and Leopold were still unconscious.

Outside the ICU, Dorian’s family and Griffin waited anxiously, with Cordelia’s eyes swollen from crying.

Astrid hadn't been home for over a year, and even phone calls were rare due to her job commitments. No one anticipated that their next reunion would be in a hospital, seeing her this severely injured.

Trying to comfort Cordelia, Karen handed her a calming pill. “Cordelia, don’t worry. Astrid will be fine. With Frost and me here, nothing will go wrong.” Dorian could only offer words of solace, feigning a calm he was far from feeling. He was the rock of the family, the one who couldn't afford to crumble.

Percival, leading the Nine Mystics Society, was still hot on the trail of the spies who had slipped through their grasp. From the confessions of those they had caught, at least five were still at large.

Most crucially, each of them had had some level of contact with the elusive F-Poison. None had seen the face behind the name, but they had pieces of information that could help track this shadowy figure’s movements.

Three days passed, and Anna and Astrid had finally found some stability; Leopold had come to, and Soren was still out cold, but the danger to his life had diminished.

Vivienne had been moved from the ICU.Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates...

With the patients stable, it was time to go after the mastermind.

Vivienne stormed into the Vanguard Agency, demanding to see the surveillance from the day in question.

Micah stepped in her way. “Vivienne, we haven't been able to restore the surveillance data yet. We're not sure of the specifics. Can you give us a couple more days?” “I can’t wait,” Vivienne snapped, yanking a technician from their chair. “If such a simple task is beyond you, what's the point of the Vanguard Agency's existence?” Micah was left speechless. Vivienne had previously given the agency the benefit of the doubt, thanks to Percival and Karen. But now, she was merciless.

And no one could argue with her; after all, to someone of Vivienne’s caliber, this was indeed a trivial matter.