The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Stellan’s grip tightened involuntarily.

Percival was right.

Ever since Griffin's paper on the new bomb technology had gone missing, Stellan had felt something amiss, and now that he had heard GTO had managed to develop the new bomb, his concerns deepened. He knew there were unspeakable secrets within the Vanguard Agency! But it was all speculation, and Stellan had no one to voice his suspicions to.

That was why he had slowed down the pace of the development of biochemical weapons.

But after so many years of dragging his feet, how much longer could he delay? Sooner or later, the biochemical weapons would be traded through the Martinez family’s channels, and eventually, they would lose control! Biochemical weapons were different from other arms. Guns and bombs could still be contained if they got into the wrong hands, but a biochemical weapon...

The consequences could be disastrous.

Percival had hit the nail on the head with every word! Seeing Stellan’s expression soften, Percival pressed on, “Mr. Martinez, | assure you none of your worries will cto pass. | will root out anyone with a double agenda. | was a special operative for the Vanguard Agency, and even though I've left, | haven't forgotten my core values.” Stellan bit his lower lip, his gaze lingering on Percival as the hesitance slowly receded.

“What ever happened to that batch of weapons | handed off to you?” A slight smile crossed Percival’s face. [x] Back then, he had no choice but to deal with the Martinez family. After Lark’s death, the Agency was in chaos, and Percival was on the trail of a significant crsyndicate but desperately short on firepower, which complicated the mission.

As the criminals were about to slip across the border, he had to strike a risky bargain with the Martinez family using his alias, Mr. Percy.

Thankfully, Micah played mediator, convincing Stellan to agree to the deal.

That move ensured the success of the mission, and the weapons once given to Mr. Percy were eventually reclaimed by the Vanguard Agency.

Stellan had personally overseen the reclamation.

As Percival recounted the events, Stellan’s worries fully dissipated.

“You must promisethere can be no slip-ups with the biochemical weapons. And you can’t take full control.

How much you'll need and when it's completed will be at the discretion of the Martinez family!” “Of course, it's the Martinez family’s asset. | just need to ensure it stays obedient.” Percival extended his hand, “Mr. Martinez, here's to a successful partnership.” “To success.” Stellan shook Percival’s hand, the wariness in his eyes giving way to calm composure.

Griffin winked at Vivienne, signaling mission accomplished! After bidding farewell to the Martinez family, Percival treated Vivienne to a hearty beef stew.

“Working with the Martinez family is bound to put pressure on you guys from the Agency,” Vivienne remarked, blowing on a piece of beef before savoring it.

Indeed, nothing beats a good beef stew! Percival silently offered her more meat. “Don’t worry, someone can handle the pressure.” Vivienne's lips curled into a smile. Indeed, they had two strong allies! As soon as the Martinez family and the Ellington Group’s deal was sealed, the phones in the Rivenwood Vanguard Agency's director and deputy director's offices rang incessantly.

“Yes, yes, I've heard. No idea, though, not my guy. You know how it went down between us. Maybe ask Micah?” Vance chuckled into the phone.

“My Guy? He resigned. Even the law can’t touch him now. Plus, | didn’t write or approve his resignation. Go ask Vance!” Micah played dumb on the other end.

Back at the Sea City main office, Webster was fuming! With a slam, Webster hung up the phone.

Micah cleaned his ear, glancing at Vance. “As the director, you push everything onto your deputy. Is that how you lead?” Vance leisurely sipped his tea. “If you can’t lead a team, you'll work yourself to death.” Micah rolled his eyes and left, leaning on his cane.

Vance chuckled to himself, his gaze growing serious as Micah departed.

Percival was working with the Martinez family. What did that mean for his own dealings with them? After all, the Martinez family was an ancient warrior lineage.

Vance felt uncertain about Percival’s motives.

It took five rings before Percival casually picked up Vance’s call.

“Mr. Edwards, what can | do for you?” Percival sipped his wine, a smirk on his lips.

Vance inhaled deeply. “What's this business with the Martinez family?” Percival knew Vance would inquire about this. He leaned back, swirling his wine glass, saying, “Vance, our initial agreement, as | recall, has nothing to do with this matter, has it?” Listening as Percival shifted from addressing him as Mr. Edwards to Vance, Vance knew this was no joke.

But he was at a loss.

For a moment, he couldn't quite discern whether their partnership was ultimately more beneficial to him or Percival.

“Don’t forget, the Martinez family is an ancient warrior lineage,” Vance warned, his tone carrying a note of caution.

Percival’s lips curved into a smile, a cold glint in his eyes. “Did | ever tell you | wouldn't work with an ancient warrior lineage?” “You!” Vance felt a frustrating sense of being choked with anger. “Percival, if you don’t honor our agreement, | might just turn the tables on you!” “Sure, then I'll just collaborate with more ancient warrior lineages,” Percival retorted nonchalantly.

Vance was speechless, realizing in this instant how empty words could be! The old saying “with age comes wisdom” did not necessarily hold true.Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates...

It took Vance a good long while to regain his composure before he slowly said, “I just want to know what your real aim is in partnering with the Martinez family.” Seeing Vance's softened stance, Percival eased the pressure. “Remember the ‘Morning Glory’ | mentioned to you?” Vance had a sudden realization. “I've looked into it hitting the market, but there's been no news. Could it be there’s trouble within the Martinez family itself?” “Not necessarily,” Percival did not elaborate.

Vance was aware of his suspicions about a mole within the Vanguard Agency, and there was no need to lay everything out in the open.

Vance didn’t probe further. Regardless of whether the issue lay with the Martinez family, as long as there were cracks within the ancient warrior lineages, his plans could cto fruition! “Alright, I've got it.” Just as Vance was about to hang up, Percival called out, “Vance, there's a favor | need to ask of you.” When Percival spoke up, it wasn’t a matter of asking; it was an obligation.

Vance, fully aware of the stakes, couldn't help but scoff. “We’ve gone beyond the need for such formalities.” “I need the detailed files on the ‘Destruction Plan’ operative from back in the day.”