The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Aaron and the team slipped on their headsets, and within moments, their morale soared to its zenith.

Vivienne nodded in approval. This was what a true E-sports team looked like, not a group lost in blame

and self-doubt.

…

Meanwhile, at the Ellington residence.

“Bro, you’re my flesh and blood. We share half the same genes; that makes us practically brothers from

another mother!

Come on, bro, this tournament means the world to me. Please help me out!

After this, I’ll do anything you ask, my awesome big brother!”

Percival’s night was haunted by endless pleas of “bro,” as if the whole world was seen through a ‘great

big brother’ filter.

Growing weary of the incessant nagging, Richard finally said, “You’re not busy. Just go take a look and

give me a break.”

Yet Percival remained immovable, feigning deafness.

After wrapping up some business affairs, he glanced at his phone.

Why had Vivienne not replied yet at this late hour?

His long fingers danced over the screen as he typed a message with his usual aloofness, [Vivienne, I

miss you.]

“Bro, just look at me, please!”

Kenneth’s wails finally drew Percival’s attention, and there he was, Kenneth, rolling on the floor in a full-

blown tantrum.

Percival was speechless.

Had he mastered the art of cajoling to perfection?

What happened to the distant young man of usual days?

Had he been possessed?

“Get up,” Percival commanded with a furrowed brow.

Like a bullet, Kenneth was at Percival’s side the next moment, clinging to his leg. “I won’t get up unless

you agree!”

A sly smile played on Percival’s lips. “Are you threatening me?”

Kenneth shivered, immediately transforming into a masseuse, kneading Percival’s legs with servile

devotion. “No, no, just talking nonsense. How could I dare threaten my wonderful big brother?”

Mid-conversation, Percival finally received the long-awaited reply.

[Busy, Mr. Wolf. Take your time missing me.]

A map link popped up immediately after.

Centurial E-sport Hotel?

Percival tapped Kenneth with his foot, “Where did you say your tournament is being held?”

“Centurial E-sport Hotel, the one owned by our family. You mean you’ll come, bro?” Kenneth’s eyes

sparkled.

A smile curled on Percival’s lips, a flicker of interest in his eyes. “Yes, suddenly I’m intrigued.”

…

The World Championship Cup for E-sports proceeded as scheduled.

In the qualifiers, teams drew lots to decide their opponents, competing for points within their groups.

Hawk drew a formidable opponent for the first match—RED, a renowned team from Runic Country.

“The word is RED’s starting player is a rookie promoted this year, suspected of hiding his true skills.

But even a rookie should not be underestimated. We’re representing our country; we can’t afford to

lose the first match, got it?”

In the locker room, Bennett stood before the ready team, delivering his speech.

Off to the side, Vivienne was busy replying to Percival’s message.

[Yep, hanging with four hotties.]

On the other end, Percival’s response was terse.

“They’re all dead meat!” He thought to himself.

A chill swept through the locker room, prompting Aaron to zip up his hoodie, “Don’t worry, captain.

We’ve got this.”

After the pep talk, it was Coach Vivienne’s turn.

She stood, her clear eyes sweeping the room. “Play well. You’ve got this!”

“Yes!”

The team cheered, rising to their feet. Despite only two days of intensive training, they had made

remarkable progress. Not even Runic Country’s RED or their arch-rival Snake could intimidate them

now.

Directly across from Hawk’s locker room was Snake Club’s space.

Kenneth, hearing the commotion from Hawk’s side, his eyes resembling Percival’s, scoffed with

disdain. “A few days apart, and they’re already louder.”

In this championship, he was determined to get FMNP and overtake that detestable Aaron.

His teammate Callum handed him a Coke and said, “Who cares about them? We’ve got our secret

weapon, right?”

At the mention of the secret weapon, Kenneth managed a smile. “Of course, with my brother’s support,

not even Aaron or the mysterious coach who led Hawk to seven straight victories could pose a threat.”

Another teammate, Wesley, cracked open a Coke and took a swig. “Heard Hawk got themselves a

coach too, been holed up in some kind of ‘Devil Training’ the past few days, not even coming out for

meals.”

“Last-minute cramming won’t help them. It all comes down to Aaron, anyway. We shouldn’t worry.

Who’s our coach? Captain Kenneth’s big brother, the Ellington family’s seventh grandson, Percival!”

Alaric snorted with indifference.

Kenneth shot him a glare. “Complacency leads to defeat. Stand up, all of you.”

As captain, Kenneth commanded respect, and the team immediately lined up for his address.

“Watch Hawk’s match against RED closely. Don’t miss a thing, especially Aaron. Got it?”

“Got it, captain.”

In a nearby cubicle, Percival, having heard the pep talk outside, replied to Vivienne’s message with a

‘see you soon’ and stood up to open the door.

With a click, the door swung open.

Kenneth’s usually stoic face melted into adoration. “Bro, you’re done with your work!”

The teammates were stunned.

This was not the Kenneth they knew a moment ago.

Percival nodded, his casual attire unable to mask his innate aristocratic air.

“The intensive training has yielded results, but don’t get complacent. Remember, failure will have

consequences.”

The whole team, Kenneth included, held their breath at his words, sensing the gravity behind them.

…

Half an hour later, the match officially began.

Kenneth and his crew had snagged their seats in the bleachers bright and early. Their match was not

until the afternoon, giving them the perfect opportunity to catch Aaron’s match.

In the front row, Vivienne sat with her headphones in, eyes glued to her smartphone where a live feed

streamed. It was footage from the hospital showing Yasmine and Natalia in real time.

Though she visited them every three days, Vivienne made it a point to check on the kids through the

surveillance feed whenever she found a moment.Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay

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Zelda and Yuri had been looking after the two little ones exceptionally well, which put Vivienne at ease.

Suddenly, a large hand appeared over Vivienne’s head. Strong fingers rested on her crown but moved

tenderly, gently caressing her hair.

Vivienne looked up, meeting a pair of twinkling eyes.

“Mr. Wolf, that was quick,” She said, a hint of surprise in her voice.

Mr. Wolf had promised to join her for the E-sports tournament, but she had not expected him to show

up so soon.

Percival took a seat next to Vivienne. “Vivienne, how many times do I have to tell you? You can’t say a

man’s quick.”

Vivienne was speechless.

She had a hunch that Mr. Wolf was talking about something entirely different, but she had no proof!

Up on the stage, Bennett and his teammates were about to step up when he glanced over at the

stands and asked, “Aaron, is that Vivienne’s fiancé sitting next to her?”

Aaron looked over, and upon seeing Percival’s hand caress Vivienne’s face, he clenched his jaw tight.

“No, that’s not her fiancé. That’s her old lapdog!”