The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne) novel Chapter 600

Stellan’s grip tightened involuntarily.

Percival was right.

Ever since Griffin’s paper on the new bomb technology had gone missing, Stellan had felt something amiss, and now that he had heard GTO had managed to develop the new bomb, his concerns deepened. He knew there were unspeakable secrets within the Vanguard Agency!

But it was all speculation, and Stellan had no one to voice his suspicions to.

That was why he had slowed down the pace of the development of biochemical weapons.

But after so many years of dragging his feet, how much longer could he delay?

Sooner or later, the biochemical weapons would be traded through the Martinez family’s channels, and eventually, they would lose control!

Biochemical weapons were different from other arms. Guns and bombs could still be contained if they got into the wrong hands, but a biochemical weapon...

The consequences could be disastrous.

Percival had hit the nail on the head with every word!

Seeing Stellan’s expression soften, Percival pressed on, “Mr. Martinez, I assure you none of your worries will come to pass. I will root out anyone with a double agenda. I was a special operative for the Vanguard Agency, and even though I've left, I haven’t forgotten my core values.”

Stellan bit his lower lip, his gaze lingering on Percival as the hesitance slowly receded.

“What ever happened to that batch of weapons I handed off to you?”

A slight smile crossed Percival’s face.

Back then, he had no choice but to deal with the Martinez family. After Lark’s death, the Agency was in chaos, and Percival was on the trail of a significant crime syndicate but desperately short on firepower, which complicated the mission.

As the criminals were about to slip across the border, he had to strike a risky bargain with the Martinez family using his alias, Mr. Percy.

Thankfully, Micah played mediator, convincing Stellan to agree to the deal.

That move ensured the success of the mission, and the weapons once given to Mr. Percy were eventually reclaimed by the Vanguard Agency.

Stellan had personally overseen the reclamation.

As Percival recounted the events, Stellan’s worries fully dissipated.

“You must promise me there can be no slip-ups with the biochemical weapons. And you can’t take full control. How much you’ll need and when it’s completed will be at the discretion of the Martinez family!”

“Of course, it’s the Martinez family’s asset. I just need to ensure it stays obedient.”

Percival extended his hand, “Mr. Martinez, here’s to a successful partnership.”

“To success.” Stellan shook Percival’s hand, the wariness in his eyes giving way to calm composure.

Griffin winked at Vivienne, signaling mission accomplished!

...

After bidding farewell to the Martinez family, Percival treated Vivienne to a hearty beef stew.

“Working with the Martinez family is bound to put pressure on you guys from the Agency,” Vivienne remarked, blowing on a piece of beef before savoring it.

Indeed, nothing beats a good beef stew!

Percival silently offered her more meat. “Don’t worry, someone can handle the pressure.”

Vivienne’s lips curled into a smile. Indeed, they had two strong allies!

As soon as the Martinez family and the Ellington Group’s deal was sealed, the phones in the Rivenwood Vanguard Agency’s director and deputy director’s offices rang incessantly.

“Yes, yes, I’ve heard. No idea, though, not my guy. You know how it went down between us. Maybe ask Micah?” Vance chuckled into the phone.