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.

moment of vulnerability, Leopold stepped in front of her. With a ping, the scanner displayed

"Percival, hold this, will you? If it breaks, I can't report back, and War God

beauty of this advanced device was its ability to save time searching and

simple swipe with the scanner, and it would immediately search for

browsed the data, his gaze on Ramona grew increasingly bizarre. "Ms. Grimshaw, you've been quite busy today, haven't you?

really

Vanguard had some nifty gear but had no idea it was this sophisticated. As she watched Ramona's complexion sour, she was

and saw a plethora

Good heavens!

So many people!

wonder Leopold stopped reading-it

by Vivienne, everyone else began checking

out at the top, the word

had its own rules-the fewer words, the

dread and were bombarded with photos and videos of Ramona entering hotels with different

a steady stream

such a pure-looking flower

more disdainful and

She could guess what the photos online looked like, but she hadn't done any of what they accused her

don't cross!" Her delicate hands clenched into fists, her voice

escape Vivienne and Percival, whose

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

content at lightning speed, stepping in to intercept Ramona

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