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.

herself in a hospital ward-the genuine patient this time, with doctors who wouldn't dream of turning her away. After some treatment, Gillian could finally see clearly

really don't remember what happened. I hit my head on some

a slobbering mess, insisting on her

here, still wet behind the ears. It's normal to make a mistake now and then. My daughter is younger than you and always messing up. I get it." Her hope restored by Vance's words, Gillian's lips curled into

gem at the Vanguard Agency. If I can't trust you, who

"I knew you'd believe me, Director.

added an extra swoon for good

now on, Sophia will handle all of Vanguard's work.

her authority?

"Director, I..."

has sent an investigative team. Just cooperate with them, and don't worry. I

were firm, his belief

pulling strings at the

the shock was

had paid a high price to infiltrate Rivenwood Vanguard Agency, and now Vance dismissed her

City main office's investigation

would be detained for a while. What would happen

a notorious drug dealer could infiltrate

led away, still feeling a knot of unresolved anger. If Gillian dared to return to Rivenwood Vanguard Agency, Vivienne would ensure it was a one-way trip.

was now in the hands of the International Intelligence Bureau, and with Gillian taken in for questioning, there was still one more player to deal with the man at the heart of it

biotech, a market F-Poison had dipped into before with their synthetic robots. It wouldn't be a

Touch me, and you'll regret it, I swear! You'd better release me now,

was shackled in a dim basement, his hollow