The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

The team, led by Bennett, was momentarily taken aback.

Old, huh?

But that man was handsome as hell!

Sitting there, they were a sight for sore eyes – literal eye candy!

In the stands, Callum pointed down below and exclaimed, “Holy cow, is that the coach’s fiancée sitting

with him? She’s drop-dead gorgeous! An angel in the flesh!”

With a scowl, Kenneth smacked Callum on the head and retorted, “Are you blind? Why would my

brother marry a woman like that? She’s not worthy of him.”

Callum clicked his tongue.

Not worthy?

They could not be more perfect for each other if they tried!

Before, Callum could not imagine the kind of woman who would be a match for Percival. Now, it was

crystal clear.

Meanwhile, at the heart of the whirlwind, Percival and Vivienne were blissfully unaware that amid the

thousands in the arena, Kenneth and Aaron were fuming just because they were seated together!

The match had just begun, and in less than three minutes, Aaron had decimated the enemy’s defenses

and claimed first blood.

“That kid’s got skills,” Percival commented with a nod of approval.

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Just by looking at Aaron’s gameplay, it was clear he was a cut above Kenneth.

Vivienne frowned, sensing the tension.

Were they not supposed to hold back in the first game to keep their strategies hidden from Team

Snake?

Aaron’s aggression flared, and the game ended in a swift thirty minutes.

Even Kenneth was taken aback by the display. As an old rival, he could tell Hawk’s performance had

improved tenfold.

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After a streak of seven losses, Hawk’s first victory sent morale skyrocketing, and cheers nearly shook

the entire stadium.

The fans rose to their feet, shouting in joy. Hawk’s chances for the championship now seemed within

reach.

The next game involved neither Aaron nor Kenneth.

Vivienne and Percival left their seats and saw Kenneth approaching with the Team Snake from a

distance.

“Bro, we’re heading to the trainer to prep for the afternoon match,” Kenneth addressed Percival, though

his glare was fixed on Vivienne, filled with malice.

Vivienne had noticed Kenneth’s hostility during their last visit to the Ellington estate. It seemed even

more pronounced now.

“Vivienne, we won!” Aaron approached with a grin. Whether intentional or not, he stumbled near

Vivienne, his knee crashing to the ground.

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Vivienne rushed to check on him and helped him up. “Don’t move. You might’ve hurt your bone.

Where’s everyone else?”

Aaron grimaced in pain. “They went back to the locker room. I was in a hurry to find you, and… Ouch,

that hurts.”

“I’ll help you inside,” Vivienne offered, taking Aaron’s arm over her shoulder to ease the weight off his

knee.

Percival’s eyes narrowed into slits. If looks could kill, Aaron’s hands would be useless by now.

But Aaron was a friend of Vivienne.

He did not dare.

“Come on, I’ll carry you.” Percival stepped forward, took Aaron’s wrist, and pulled him over with ease.

Kenneth was aghast.

“Bro, how could you carry Aaron? You’ve never even carried me!” He yelled inwardly.

Kenneth blocked Percival’s path. “Are you even a man, Aaron? A little tumble, and you’re helpless?

Rubbish, why should my brother carry you!”

Aaron arched an eyebrow, a rebellious glint in his eyes. “That’s for him to decide, not you.”

Vivienne was exasperated. “Stop being childish. I’ll help you get to the locker room.”

“No!” Percival insisted, gripping Aaron’s wrist. “He’s too heavy for you to handle.”

Was it too heavy for Vivienne?

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She could lift Leopold with ease and twirl him around.

Percival glared at Aaron, “I will carry you.”

Aaron’s eyes narrowed, a silent battle of wills ensuing between them.

“I’ll do it!” Suddenly, Kenneth hoisted Aaron onto his shoulders. Kenneth was taller and not as lean as

Aaron, so he carried Aaron off effortlessly to the locker room.

The move startled both the Snake and Hawk’s other teammates.

Kenneth dumped Aaron on the sofa, “Drama queen.”

Half of his face flushed with anger, Aaron shot back, “You’re the drama queen!”

Vivienne and Percival followed them in as they looked set to bicker again.

Vivienne rolled up Aaron’s pant leg to inspect his injury as soon as she entered. Thankfully, it was just a

superficial wound.

She patted Aaron on the head, “No bone damage, just a flesh wound. Be more careful next time!”

Aaron grinned, “Got it.”

At the door, Percival’s eyes darkened.

“Nice play, kid.” He thought.

“Bro, let’s go,” Kenneth muttered, pulling Percival away.

But Percival pushed Kenneth off and lifted Vivienne to her feet, his arm wrapping around her waist,

“Vivienne, you must be starving. Let’s grab a bite.”

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Indeed, Vivienne was feeling peckish.

“Sure,” She agreed, “Bennett, you guys keep practicing. I’ll bring back lunch.”

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Aaron started to protest, “Vivienne…”

Before he could finish, Percival’s hand rested on Aaron’s shoulder, his eyes emanating a regal chill.

The forbidding aura flowed from his fingertips, enveloping Aaron with an icy pressure.

With measured words, Percival declared, “Just wait. We’ll be quick.”

Aaron suddenly found himself unable to speak, a bead of cold sweat trailing down his forehead.

Vivienne stealthily pinched Percival’s waist, puzzled by the intense hostility he harbored towards Aaron.

It was not until Percival, with his arm snugly wrapped around Vivienne, exited the break room that

Bennett and the others let out a sigh of relief.

“Man, that was terrifying. Vivienne’s fiancé is seriously intimidating.”Books Chapters Are Daily Updated

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“Dude, I didn’t even dare to speak up. It was just lunch!”

“I’m a bit worried for Vivienne, though. He’s not going to be harsh with her, is he?”

“Are you kidding? Vivienne is tough as nails. She can handle herself.”

Only Aaron stood in silence, his gaze fixed on the break room door, hands clenched into fists.

“Percival, mark my words, one day I’ll win Vivienne back!” He declared inwardly.

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…

In an apartment in Rivenwood.

Calista stared at the documents sprawled across the table, too horrified to speak.

Scott, seated opposite her, asked, “What’s the matter? Can’t handle it?”

Calista set down the papers. “Dad, this is terrifying. Is this really okay?”

Scott had simply tasked Calista with completing a virus experiment, but she had not anticipated it

would be of this nature.

If developed, this virus could become the most dreadful creation in human history. Putting aside its

lethality, the mere transmission rate alone could outpace any known virus.

“No, Dad, we can’t go through with this. This is dangerous.”

Calista was backing out.

This was illegal, a crime that could cost them their heads.

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