The Million-Dollar Heart

The three chatted in the study, their conversation stretching on for hours. When they emerged, the storm clouds on Flynn's face were the only tell of the weighty matters they'd discussed.

In the meantime, Vivienne and Imogen had made plans to collaborate on a fashion project-a line of evening dresses that would surely turn heads.

As the three appeared, the women approached them with eager smiles.

"Flynn, darling," Imogen cooed, linking her arm through his, her voice a whisper of concern, "What's wrong?"

Flynn offered a wry smile and shook his head, a silent indication that now was not the time for such discussions.

"I'll take Vivienne home," Percival announced, taking Vivienne's hand with a gentlemanly grace.

The evening was creeping in, and with Dorian's messages asking after her, it was clear Vivienne needed to return to her own abode.

After bidding farewell to Richard and the others, Vivienne and Percival stepped outside where Thomas and Anna were waiting.

"Ms. Vivienne," Anna began, her tone solemn, "based on Belle's intel, we located the lab where Calista was working on the Boar Poison. But by the time we got there, they had already evacuated." Vivienne nodded, unsurprised. GTO's mysterious boss would have been the first to sense anything amiss and would have moved Calista to keep the Boar Poison within their control. Yet, the poison did not seem that useful to her-it was curable, after all, and mainly just had a prolonged incubation period that could disfigure a person. She had more lethal toxins at her disposal. Why were they so obsessed with this one?

Regret washed over her as she realized the trouble her past dealings with the poison had caused.

Back then, she traded Fiona only for the medicine in her possession. To her, the medicine was more important than the Boar Poison. Plus, she wanted to know if Fiona would use the Boar Poison on Percival. However, Fiona never did it. Afterward, due to how occupied Vivienne had been, she had forgotten entirely about the Boar Poison, thus bringing so much trouble.

Thomas opened the car door for them, and as Vivienne and Percival settled inside, he mentioned, "Percival, the boss wants to see you too."

"Okay."

After ensuring Vivienne was safely home, Percival headed to the headquarters. The building was quiet, except for the light from Micah's office.

Percival knocked on the door. "Boss, you wanted to see me?"

from his desk. His silver hair spoke of years of service, and his glasses hinted at a life

that Percival would look just like Micah in time, though Soren was certain

pointing to the sofa with

late, boss. Is there

pouring coffee. "As if you

a sip of the coffee. "Delicious.

the supplier are both exceptional.

at him,

was my boss. He came by today inquiring about

"And?" Percival prompted.

Mr. B vanished after that press conference at the Ellington estate.

monitor until three days ago when she went to the launch party at your family. After that, I completely lost track of her. Where

sighed. "It's classified. I couldn't

years, and now you're saying my job is classified? Should I

I'm just following

haven't found her, still looking," Percival

as stubborn as Leopold.

him go, a faint smile playing on his lips. Once outside headquarters,

[Cover's blown. Stay vigilant.]

in bed, read the message with a slight curve of her lips. First

undercover was getting a

the three photographs that