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.

patient this time, with doctors who wouldn't dream of turning

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

slobbering mess, insisting on

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 a smile. "So, you believe me,

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

her tears, Gillian beamed. "I knew you'd

sell her story, she added an extra swoon

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

Was Vance stripping her of her authority? Headquarters sent her; Vance had no right to do

"Director, I..."

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

words were firm, his

her days of pulling strings at the Rivenwood Vanguard Agency were

Vance left, the shock was evident on

Rivenwood Vanguard Agency, and

main office's investigation team entered, taking

of the situation, she would be detained for a

of a notorious drug dealer could infiltrate Vanguard

being 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. "Vivienne, Dracon's been

Gillian taken in for questioning, there was still one more player to deal with the man at the

into before with their synthetic robots. It wouldn't

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

was shackled in a dim basement, his hollow threats echoing off