The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne) novel Chapter 649

Without hesitation, Soren fed Anna the last life-saving pill, ensuring she was quickly lifted onto a stretcher.

Meanwhile, Percival and Leopold rounded up every suspicious character within sight. Regardless of their protests and cries of innocence, they took no chances, erring on the side of caution rather than risk letting a spy slip through their grasp.

Those trained in the art of espionage were highly alert and masterful actors. Their disguises were so convincing that even the sharpest detective eyes might fail to discern their true nature.

Soon, they had filled two vans with captives, and Leopold, unable to stand, slumped beside Percival on one knee.

"Hang in there, Leopold," Percival urged, supporting him with one arm to prevent him from slipping into unconsciousness.

Thomas had arrived with reinforcements, and the National Intelligence Bureau's backup had also reached the scene. The situation was finally under control, with the threat of a secondary explosion averted, and all the injured had been rushed to the hospital, including Gillian, who was now in the ICU.

By the time Soren was admitted to the hospital, he was unconscious, with shards of glass lodged perilously inside him.

Karen, who took over his care, was stunned by the severity of his injuries.

"Frost, didn't you give him a life-saving pill?" Karen knew Vivienne always carried life-saving pills for emergencies, especially for missions like these, where they were stocked in abundance.

Given Soren's critical condition, it was unthinkable that Vivienne wouldn't have administered one.

Vivienne frowned slightly. "I did, but I think he shared them with his team. Mom, he's in your hands now. I need to check on Anna and Astrid."

"Okay," Karen responded without further inquiry. Time was of the essence, and every second counted.

After two nights and a day, Karen and Vivienne managed to save all the injured. For those who lost their limbs from the blast, they reattached limbs that could be salvaged. Unfortunately, for those whose limbs were lost, there was nothing more they could do.

The mission resulted in the capture of twenty-three individuals, one of whom turned out to be an innocent bystander. After receiving hefty compensation from Percival, he was released.

The remaining twenty-two were found with traces of ST-0, confirming their espionage without a doubt.

The Vanguard Agency suffered over a hundred injuries, and all members of the National Intelligence Bureau's team led by Astrid were wounded. The financial loss amounted to fifty million dollars.

Fortunately, the explosion had occurred away from residential areas, sparing civilians from harm.

The Rivenwood General Administration issued a stern rebuke to its entire staff, starting with Vance, who faced a severe reprimand and the cancellation of his special commendation.

The director of the Sea City headquarters was blunt over the phone. "Listen, Vance, you either find the person primarily responsible, or you pack up and return to your Edwards family!"

Vance knew the culprit was either Thomas or Gillian. Vance and Micah never got in close proximity to the command console and were discussing the plan on the desk at the side. The others were all occupied in their corresponding positions. Thomas and Gillian were the only two with access to the command console, while Thomas was responsible for using the microphone.

However, Vance was certain it wasn't Thomas, given his years of reliable service as Percival's right hand. Plus, Thomas had always been the most sensible and cautious team leader of the three, or else Vance would not have made him captain after Percival.