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.

came to, she found 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

happened. I hit my head on some equipment, and I still

was 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, Gillian. You're a gem at the Vanguard Agency. If

knew you'd believe

she added an extra

on, Sophia will handle

stunned. Was Vance stripping her of her authority? Headquarters sent

"Director, I..."

team. Just cooperate with them,

words were firm, his belief in her

pulling strings at the Rivenwood Vanguard Agency

the shock was evident on

paid a high price to infiltrate Rivenwood Vanguard Agency, and

exited than the Sea City main office's investigation team entered, taking Gillian away for

the gravity of the situation, she would be detained for a while. What would happen

notorious drug dealer could infiltrate Vanguard Agency

Vivienne watched Gillian being led away, still feeling a knot of unresolved anger. If Gillian dared to return

there was still one more player to deal with the man at the

before with their synthetic robots. It wouldn't be a stretch to think

my father is? Touch me, and you'll regret it, I swear! You'd better release me

basement, his hollow threats