The Million-Dollar Heart

Gillian was stealthily tightening her grip on the reins of the Vanguard Agency, and since she was on an equal footing with Vance, no one dared to voice their concerns. After all, she was sent by the top brass, and they had no choice but to stomach her presence.

The tension was palpable on the training grounds, where Gillian's grudge had festered. She targeted Thomas mercilessly, attempting to strip him of his squad leader privileges.

Her momentum was formidable and demanded attention.

Moreover, there was a strong possibility that F-Poison was lurking in her shadow.

That faceless entity could take any disguise, even assume Gillian's identity.

Should that prove true, the consequences would be dire.

Inside her apartment, Gillian walked in to find a scene of disarray.

Casting a disdainful glance at the shattered remains of Mara's bedroom door, she scoffed. "You can't even handle a simple task."

"Then you do it!" Mara retorted, tending to her wounds.

That Anna had really done a number on her, with no regard for the injuries she had inflicted.

Gillian rolled her eyes. "Keep an eye on Aaron and handle your own mess. Now, there's another thorn in our side; Anna's been reassigned to Elite University. No telling what mission she's on, so stay sharp." At the mention of Anna's name, Mara snapped a cotton swab in frustration, "What's there to watch with her?"

"The boss said Anna is Vivienne's confidante. She's definitely up to something, either targeting you or Aaron. We're supposed to turn the Miller family against them, and this will put us at a huge disadvantage. Be careful," Gillian lectured with strained patience.

"One minute, I'm stirring trouble for Aaron; the next, I'm shadowing Anna. Do I look like a tool to you?"

Gillian's expression darkened with anger. "Why all the questions? If you want revenge, shut up and report any odd behavior from Anna immediately! And we shouldn't meet for a while; I don't have time for you. Make Aaron ours, and don't tip off Anna. You might have already tipped Aaron off with today's stunt. Be more cautious."

With those parting words, Gillian left.

breath

off the

...

grim-faced in front of the graduate school

notable figure at the university, although he was seldom seen

smiled as

what brings you

pulled Mara away, quickening his

what's the rush?

to a secluded spot before releasing her hand with a forceful

wrist, tearfully looking

am I doing? Mara, I want to

he wouldn't lose consciousness without

was treating Mara's injuries, but instead, he ended up locked in his

weren't involved, it would be a

be asking you about yesterday. I had decided to play matchmaker for you and Vivienne, but why did you bring Kenneth

bring Kenneth!" Aaron

Kenneth and Anna would have beat me up. Look at my injuries, and you're blaming

lifted her skirt to reveal her bruises, "I'm trying to help you, and this

leg wounds. "How did you get hurt

say you didn't bring Kenneth there, so who was it? He came with Anna. Maybe she brought him?" "It's possible."

question for them to arrive together, but

in

been seeking him out frequently under the guise of discussing graduate

about Anna's connection to Vivienne, but he knew Anna was a Vanguard Agency operative. To him, her ties to

under his nose, intending to drive