The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

As the mention of the explosion lingered in the air, a silence fell among the three.

There was no need for words; it was clear Karen had caught on to what Vance had just said.

Karen sat down, her gaze lifting to meet Vance’s. “I'm on board with your idea.” After years of covert investigation, even if Vivienne had the intention to conceal the truth, how could she have truly kept it from Karen? Over the years, Karen had scrutinized everyone involved in the “Destruction Plan,” even her follower, Micah.

Friend or foe, every suspect had been cleared.

In the end, the least likely person beca possibility once more.

Micah stepped forward, trying to sway Karen's thoughts. “Boss, that’s our mentor, our guide through thick and thin!” “I know.” Karen's eyes held Micah’s, her words measured and heavy. “For over a decade, I've abandoned my daughter, forsaken my comrades, lived under aliases, too afraid to show my face. It wasn’t to end up doubting my mentor at the final hour.” Micah’s gaze shook with the gravity of her words. When Karen spoke with such conviction, he knew there was no turning back.

Next door, Vivienne watched the monitors with a somber expression. When she saw the fleeting pain cross Karen's face, her heart twisted in empathy.

Percival wrapped an arm around Vivienne’s shoulders, squeezing gently. “We couldn't have kept this from her forever. She was bound to find out sooner or later.” Vivienne nodded. “Yeah, my mom's tough. But Micah, "ge to have a hard tswallowing this pill.” Percival’s lips quirked in a wry smile. “He’ll caround. Master's sidekick isn’t that fragile.” Exchanging a knowing look, Percival and Vivienne shared a light chuckle before turning their attention back to the surveillance screens.

After a long moment, Micah collected himself. “Boss, what's our next move?” Karen's lips curved into a thin smile. “We don’t have concrete evidence yet. We need him to make his move.” Vance nodded. “Exactly, he’s been entrenched in Vanguard Agency for years; he won't act rashly. If we confront him without proof, it'll backfire. Micah, | need your help.” “With you two in the light andin the shadows, plus Percival on our side, he’s bound to slip up,” Karen stated.

With a heavy nod, Micah agreed, “Alright, what leads do we have?” Karen looked up at the surveillance camera and gestured with her finger.

Sighing, Vivienne, in the next room, slapped a folder onto Percival’s chest, “Take this to your mentor.” Taking the folder, Percival pinched Vivienne's cheek. Karen was probably the only person in this world who could render Vivienne so helpless.

Knocking on the door, Percival delivered the information to Karen.

“Master, this is from Vivienne,” he said, handing over the documents before casting a glance at Micah and quietly exiting, preferring the comfort of his wife’s company.

Karen spread out the material on the table, presenting it to Vance and Micah.

They both pored over the detailed files, their expressions growing increasingly grim.

“This case brought Noah to prominence, earning him a top commendation, three first-class merits, and two seconds. It’s also how we first cracked into GTO,” Karen explained.

It was initially a human trafficking case. Yorick led the Vanguard Agency team, with Noah as his second-in- command. When Yorick was injured, Noah took charge, and in pursuing the traffickers, they stumbled upon the horrifying truth—it was a virus research lab! This lab was GTO'’s first experimental site that Vanguard Agency had found.

Since then, a thirty-year war had raged between Vanguard Agency and GTO.

During this time, Noah's reputation soared as he thwarted multiple GTO schemes, eventually securing his current status.

As Vance and Micah finished reviewing the case files, their faces betrayed a maelstrom of emotions.

“I remember when we first joined Vanguard Agency, Yorick told us about this,” Vance said, his brows knitted.

“Yes, he mentioned Noah single-handedly saved twelve kids and personally arranged for their return home,” Micah clenched his teeth, “but why does this file say there were only ten kids kidnapped by GTO?” Karen tapped her fingers on the table, “This file cfrom an undercover my daughter planted in GTO. To monitor each child's reactions, they kept detailed records.” “So, who are the other two children the boss reported?” Micah queried.

Vance's eyes narrowed, a realization dawning on him.

“I recall Yorick said GTO tested drugs on those twelve kids, ranging from three to nineteen years old, from nursery to college. If someone posed as a college student, they could've blended right in.” Karen nodded. “Exactly. F-Poison must have been among them. Vance, get the photos from that case file. Micah, the Martinez family will soon pass a new bomb detector through Vanguard Agency, which will go through his hands. Stay alert and try to draw out F-Poison so we can catch him in one fell swoop.” “Got it, boss. And you? What will you do?” Micah asked.Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates...

Karen chuckled. “Now that I'm exposed, they won't letbe. They'll try to find me, and when they do, he'll cknocking.” “But isn’t that dangerous for you? | could send someone to protect you...” “No need, just keep yourselves safe. Thomas's report to the higher-ups didn’t mention me. He's definitely going to use this to take control of the Vanguard Agency's special squad. Everyone needs to be on their toes,” Karen reminded them.

The tstood up, exchanging quick, knowing glances.

Karen and Micah put their hands together, palms touching in solidarity, while Vance raised his for a high-five.

Karen could not help but let out a sigh of exasperation. “After all these years, you still can’t sync up with us.” Vance rubbed his nose awkwardly, trying to laugh it off. “Here's to pulling this off,” he said, hoping to salvage the moment.

With that, he gathered his papers and headed out of the diner.

Micah did not linger either, aware that every move from here on out was critical.

If Noah turned out to be a mole, he would walk right into their trap! Vivienne watched the lack of coordination among them, let out a heavy sigh, and pulled out her cell phone to call Quincy.

“Stand by. It’s go time!” She declared with determination.