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.

was not comfortable with

two turrets on the top lane. On the other side,

Team Snake

the baron now in play, Kenneth took it down, bloodied but unbowed, and they pushed for

made a move, acing

the outer turrets

baron buff, this was

regrouping, Team Snake launched an assault on the top lane, using the last of the baron’s power to reach the

valiantly but

first game went to Team

started with Hawk banning first, and just like Kenneth, Aaron banned Kenneth’s last hero yet chose the

trained with

early team fight—a risky move for any pro player. Engaging in

mid-lane, Bennett took a detour and snatched the opponent’s red

strategy. “Playing

up in response.

“No, only I belong to

eyes. Was he really getting jealous

field, Aaron rampaged through the jungle, securing the dragon and catching Kenneth off guard. It was clear now that Aaron’s previous performance was a ruse—he knew this hero all

a pentakill with about half

push mid all

desperation, Kenneth went for

end was near. Kenneth had lost his patience

on health,

Snake prepared for a comeback, Aaron teleported to the high ground, securing another solo kill thanks to Lennox’s last-ditch

Snake recovered, Hawk had claimed the baron. The

nearly