The Million-Dollar Heart

The eldest of the Perez Family, Luke, was known as the most down-to-earth. The siblings had a running joke that any trouble found its way onto his broad shoulders by default.

In Luke's absence, the scapegoat duties fell onto Maddox, though it was not quite fair to say he was just a fall guy. More often than not, he was the ringleader of their shenanigans.

Yuri leaned back in his chair, eyeing his sister Sasha. "Our brothers, Luke and Fredrick have come here in Rivenwood with their families. Dad wants to throw a big reunion bash to officially announce your return. What do you say?"

Karen pressed her lips together, a beer in hand. "The timing isn't right."

She had parted ways with the Vanguard Agency years ago but had not made her existence public since.

Revealing herself now could stir up a hornet's nest.

Maddox, usually the joker, adopted a serious demeanor. "I share the same concern. Percival mentioned he's onto something, still investigating. Best to keep a low profile for now."

Karen raised an eyebrow, not having heard anything from Percival or Vivienne. "Frost, who's on your radar?"

Vivienne hesitated before answering. "We're looking into it. I'll fill you in once we have something solid."

Karen knew her daughter well. The fact that Vivienne held back meant the suspect was likely someone crucial to Karen herself. Otherwise, Vivienne would never choose silence. Clutching her beer, a strange flicker crossed Karen's eyes.

Suddenly, Vivienne's phone rang. "Vivienne, is your mother there?" Percival's voice was anxious.

"Yes, what's up?" Vivienne switched to speakerphone. "Spill it!"

"Master, we found a signal source in the remnants at F-Poison's last haunt. It's locked tight." Percival sounded grave, giving the matter utmost importance.

Karen grabbed Vivienne's wrist, booting up her micro-computer. "Patch into Frost's system."

"Right." Percival stayed on the line, linking the signal source to Vivienne's computer.

red dot on the satellite map. "It's at Vance's place, that

"You sure

Vance had used multiple aliases, but she had traced them all. Percival took a deep breath.

could not resist a dig. "Mr. Wolf, why run to your mentor for this small fry stuff instead of

then softly replied, "Vivienne, I don't want

Vivienne were formidable hackers trained by Karen herself, and their

a wall, Vivienne might

with urgency pressing, Percival turned directly to

somewhat appeased, hung up before Karen could scold

dripping with mock resentment. "Men get wives and forget their moms. And you? Are you ready to ditch your mother now?" Vivienne met her gaze, firm and earnest. "No,

a

hanging up, Percival promptly headed

the Agency's director, so he could not possibly let the agency agents do it. Arriving near the apartment, Percival sealed

with a click, the lock turned, but the door remained

in a smirk. With a swift kick, the door

gun in hand, aimed straight at Percival's forehead. Yet, his own neck was firmly in Percival's

in Vance's eyes was unmistakable.

"Why shouldn't

seamless lockdown of his surroundings. He stepped aside, letting Percival in. "What brings

for someone." Percival's frown deepened as he scanned

from the fridge. "You could've

cap, the bottle too full, spilling water as he