The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne arched an eyebrow, a playful smirk on her lips. “Let’s hear it.”

“If I lose, you owe me a dance,” Percival declared, his eyes holding a depth like the ocean as they fixed on her luminous, moonlit gaze.

She was stunning, breathtaking. Every time he looked into her eyes, he found beauty that shone with a graceful light he treasured above all else.

“Deal, I’ll take the bet,” she said, her voice laced with a hint of mischief. Leaning forward, Vivienne’s soft red lips brushed against Percival’s cheek.

After a moment, she pushed away from him. “The game has started, Mr. Wolf,” she teased before leaving the rooftop.

Percival touched his cheek, still feeling the ghost of her kiss.

“Just you wait, I’ll get my revenge,” he muttered under his breath.

Down at the gaming arena, the atmosphere was electric, with a massive online audience tuning in. It was not just the gaming community—people who did not typically watch E-sports were also glued to their screens for this event. After all, the champion would be a hometown hero no matter who won.

Fans of Team Snake were waving banners with Kenneth’s name, while supporters of Team Hawk were not far behind, hoisting up large signs rooting for Aaron.

As the players took their seats and the host announced the rules, Vivienne and Percival found their spots in the stands, eyes fixated on the live feed.

The match kicked off with Kenneth banning Aaron’s go-to hero. Unperturbed, Aaron picked a solid, all-around choice.

Vivienne’s lips curved into a knowing smile. The show was about to begin.

The heroes selected, Aaron played steadily, drawing first blood against Kenneth and clearing his jungle camps. Kenneth cursed under his breath but rallied, taking Aaron down in a counterattack and even snatching Bennett’s red buff.

The match was a back-and-forth dance. Team Snake’s synergy was clear, quickly gaining the upper hand. But Quentin of Team Hawk had stealthily secured the best position for the dragon. However, with Callum’s help, Kenneth clinched it.

The tides of battle were apparent. Aaron was still powering up, farming his jungle while letting Fergus take hits and Bennett feed a couple of kills.

He knew Aaron was not comfortable with his hero

team fight, Team Snake pushed two turrets on the top lane. On the other side, Bennett took the opportunity to knock down one of the

Team Snake maintained

now in play, Kenneth took it down, bloodied but unbowed, and

made a move, acing Team Snake

rallied, taking down the outer turrets

to the baron buff, this was not enough for a

on the top lane, using the last of the baron’s power to reach

fought valiantly but

went

second game started with Hawk banning first, and just like Kenneth, Aaron banned Kenneth’s last

anticipated this move, having trained with

changed tactics, initiating an early team fight—a risky move for any pro player. Engaging in an all-out team fight without enough net worth was

took a detour and snatched the opponent’s red

at Vivienne’s strategy. “Playing mind

response. “My players have

“No, only I

her eyes. Was he really

rampaged through the jungle, securing the dragon and catching Kenneth off guard. It was clear now

culminating in a pentakill with about half health

moment to push mid all the way

of desperation, Kenneth went for a

was near.

low on health, could

Team Snake prepared for a comeback, Aaron teleported to the high ground, securing

Snake recovered, Hawk had claimed the baron. The final push

nearly smashing