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 smug. He knew Aaron was not comfortable with his hero and seemed

two turrets on the top lane. On the other side, Bennett took the opportunity to knock down one of the

Snake maintained

Kenneth took it down, bloodied but unbowed,

a move, acing Team Snake in a solo

the outer turrets on

this was not enough for

regrouping, Team Snake launched an assault on the top lane, using the last of the

Hawk fought valiantly but

went to

with Hawk banning first, and just like Kenneth, Aaron

had anticipated this move, having trained with different heroes the

Hawk changed tactics, initiating an early team fight—a risky move for any pro player. Engaging in an

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

at Vivienne’s strategy. “Playing

quirked up in response.

“No,

her eyes. Was he really getting jealous

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

rampage continued, culminating in a pentakill with about

seized this moment to push mid all the way to the

a fit of desperation, Kenneth

was near. Kenneth had

now low on health, could

teleported to the high ground, securing another solo kill thanks to

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

livid, nearly