The Million-Dollar Heart

Leopold was buzzing with excitement.

The high-tech gadgets at Vanguard Agency weren't typically available for public use.

Guarded by a dedicated team, even the interrogation equipment was off-limits to field agents like him.

If it weren't for the recent crackdown by the War God within the agency, which had somewhat loosened the reins on such devices, he wouldn't have had a chance to borrow it.

Vivienne commanded, "Scan her."

With a tilt of her chin, she gestured toward Ramona. A playful smirk finally danced on her lips. "Ms. Grimshaw claims I shoved her. She should have my fingerprints on her, right? Take a look for me, will you?" "What are you doing to me?" Ramona's expression twisted in fear the moment she heard "fingerprint scanner."

Luckily, she was looking down, hiding her face from the crowd.

But as Leopold strode over to her, she could no longer maintain her composure. "Don't touch me! Please, someone, help! Keep them away from me!"

Vivienne smiled thinly. "What are you afraid of? That they'll find others' fingerprints on you but none of mine?"

Kala raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Vivienne, do you know something we don't?"

How else could Leopold just happen to bring the scanner today?

Vivienne didn't answer her immediately. Instead, she addressed everyone present. "Why not check your phones? Ms. Grimshaw has been seen with a different man every night for months-from entertainment moguls to hotshot directors, all guests behind her curtain."

"That's slander!" Ramona burst forth, tears streaking her face. “Ms. Hawthorne, you may dislike me, but you can't just toy with my reputation like this!"

She had been standing close to Jackson, which had prevented Leopold from making his move.

of her. With a ping, the scanner displayed all of Ramona's

the device to Percival. "Percival, hold this, will you? If it breaks, I can't report

connected to the scanner via Bluetooth. The beauty of this advanced device was its ability to

scanner, and it would immediately

Grimshaw, you've been quite busy today, haven't you? The

it really

some nifty gear but had no idea it was this sophisticated. As she

saw a plethora of names, both familiar and not. She gasped,

Good heavens!

So many people!

Leopold stopped reading-it

Vivienne, everyone else began checking

stood out at the top, the word "scandal" in bold,

the industry had its own rules-the fewer words, the

Ramona entering hotels with different men, emerging

shots... it seems she's had a steady

can be deceiving! Who knew such a

disdainful and disgusted glances landed

and uncomfortable. She could guess what the photos online looked like, but she hadn't done

line you just don't cross!" Her delicate hands clenched into fists, her

escape Vivienne and Percival, whose eyes gleamed

weary, leaned on Percival. "If you haven't done anything, prove it. But, from what I remember, your file said your parents were just blue-collar workers. Not exactly the type to rub elbows with industry giants since

speed, stepping in to intercept Ramona before she could react. They hadn't infiltrated this circle just to stir up trouble with

a bucket of ice-cold water dumped on Ramona's head, sobering her