The Million-Dollar Heart

Gillian slouched pathetically between two chairs, her eyes pleading for sympathy.

Vance and Micah stood behind her, shaking their heads in silence before circling around to face her.

"Gillian, the surveillance caught what you did. You've been flagged as the prime suspect, and when the higher-ups get here, you'll have to explain yourself."

Gillian clutched her face in feigned innocence. "I have no idea what you're talking about! Besides, I can't even see this supposed surveillance you're mentioning. How can I be sure you're not just framing me? And I'll have you know, I'm pressing charges against Vivienne for this mess. She won't get away with what she did to me!"

Vivienne snorted with laughter and pulled a packet from her bag, tossing a facial mask onto Gillian's face.

The moment it touched her skin, Gillian let out a squeal like a pig being slaughtered. Miraculously, her face returned to normal, not a single mark to be seen.

Then, Vivienne shoved the footage in front of her. "This is you, right?"

Gillian nodded. "Yes, that's me, but I was just checking the screens at the command console. It's my job to keep records. Is that a crime now?"

With a swift motion, Vivienne slapped Gillian across the face.

It wasn't just for the sake of it-her palm was itching for justice!

The slap left Gillian's cheek swelling even more than before, ballooning up instantly.

"That's your problem to explain!" Vivienne said with disdain, handing over the tablet to Micah. "I'll be waiting for the outcome."

With that, Vivienne turned on her heel and walked away.

Gillian scrambled toward the door, only to be tripped up by Micah's cane, which "accidentally" landed on her already fractured ankle. "Ah!" she cried out, pain knocking her out cold.

this time, with doctors who wouldn't dream of turning her away. After some treatment,

hit my head on some equipment, and I still can't recall what happened. It

mess,

here, still wet behind the ears. It's normal to make a mistake now and then. My daughter is younger than you

kept nodding. "Of course, I believe you, Gillian. You're a gem at the Vanguard Agency. If I can't trust you, who can

"I knew you'd believe me, Director. Oh,

story, she added an extra swoon for good

understand your condition. From now on, Sophia will handle all of Vanguard's work.

of her authority? Headquarters sent her; Vance had no right

"Director, I..."

team. Just cooperate with them, and don't worry. I believe you,

words were firm, his belief in

Gillian, her days of pulling strings at the Rivenwood Vanguard Agency

shock was evident on Gillian's

high price to infiltrate Rivenwood Vanguard Agency,

City main office's investigation team

the situation, she would be detained for

if the daughter of a notorious drug dealer could infiltrate Vanguard Agency as a secretary from headquarters, what else

Gillian dared to return

and with Gillian taken in for questioning, there was still one more player to deal

before with their synthetic

me go! Do you know who I am? Do you know who my father is? Touch me, and you'll regret it, I swear! You'd better release me now, or I'll raze

dim basement, his hollow threats echoing off