The Million-Dollar Heart

Karen's demeanor shifted, the undercurrent of anger pooling in her eyes becoming unmistakable. "With your stubborn streak, even if you had that document in your hands, you wouldn't show it to Dad or our brothers. So, whether it's Dad's work or not, you wouldn't bother to ask."

"Yes," Willa admitted with a knowing smile. "Diana's well aware of how I tick. We've grown up together; she knows I'd never let the cat out of the bag. That file - it's clear as day she prepped it just for me!"

Karen nodded in agreement. "Dad and our brothers, including me, we're all in on your true identity. Compiling that document is pointless - we've kept you in the dark this long, so why would we suddenly lay ou the breadcrumbs for you?"

"But without hard evidence, we've still got quite the puzzle with Diana," Willa said, biting her lip. "And then there's Vivienne's paternity test - it came back negative. Sasha, she is your flesh and blood, right?" "Absolutely, she's my little girl, my only one," Karen confirmed, pride lighting up her face despite her attempt to mask it.

Willa chuckled. "Saw her picture. She's the spitting image of you, quite the stunner."

"She's sharp as a tack, too. Smart enough to drive me into your arms," Karen said, her voice tinged with a mixture of exasperation and pride.

It was true. Her daughter was formidable. Once Vivienne found out she was still alive, she was clever enough to track her down.

Willa suddenly recalled something and said, "Sasha, those notes urging me to lay low... that was your doing, right?"

Karen nodded. "Yes. Vivienne's been looking for you. I was worried that the Perez family might be dangerous for you right now, so I figured it was best you stay hidden for the time being." Willa agreed with Karen's caution.

With Diana lurking around Rivenwood, it was essential to understand her motives before returning. It was not just her safety at stake; it might also endanger Vivienne.

Diana must know Vivienne was the Perez family's granddaughter and would surely try to prevent her return.

Whether speculation or certainty, it was too risky to proceed without more information.

"Sasha, we need to dig into the past together, find this F-Poison, and bring him to justice!" Willa's resolve was palpable as she looked at Karen.

she condoned his actions. Those inhumane deeds were indefensible

among the living," Karen mused, her gaze darkening. "The new F-Poison is a woman,

undercover in GTO, the leader had been a man.

Ten days later.

to Vanguard Agency, reclaiming his post as the leader of the third squad. Thomas landed a solid punch on him. "You damn dog, thought we'd lost you for good." Soren joined in with a couple of jabs. "Stupid mutt, you scared us

set off a sparkler with an expressionless face, deadpanning, "Welcome

spent fireworks on the floor. "Anna, you could at least pretend to be happy to see me!" When Percival approached, everyone

Leader Leopold, code

on the shoulder. "Vivienne said to give you a welcome

"Can I get a new code

wish for Border

"Hey, it's Vivienne's promise. Deputy Director

kidding. Alright, back to formation. Training this afternoon. Husky, make up for the training you missed the past month!" Leopold groaned at the marching figure.

the air. Only Percival could

silence fell, and the earlier joviality vanished

with death lingered in his mind, and Vance was

some time off

course, he had no reason

leave to thank them properly." "Okay." Leopold left without another word while Thomas, Soren, and Anna ignored Vance. Loyalty was a scarce commodity for a

the cutthroat world of Vanguard Agency, this was even