The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Thomas was taken aback, his eyes darting towards Percival.

“Ma’am, you’re practically signing my death warrant here!” He yelled inside.

“Percival, hear me out. This is the training grounds. I have to be in combat gear. I am the Chief Instructor, and I can’t very well train them in a suit and tie!”

Percival’s eyes briefly swept over Thomas’s attire without a word, instead wrapping his arm around Vivienne, and they made their way deeper into the training area.

For a few seconds, Thomas felt like he just walked through the valley of the shadow of death.

Leopold slapped Thomas on the back with a smirk, “Man, that gear does look sharp on you, though.”

Thomas shot him a glare that could kill and kicked out at him half-heartedly, then quickly caught up with Percival.

“Percival, the training’s halfway through. If we’re bringing in the newbie, we might need to fast-track her.”

Thomas implied that Anna had to pass the earlier assessment today if she wanted to keep her spot here.

Percival’s stern face held a grave expression as he said, “Let’s begin now.”

Neither Vivienne nor Anna had any objections.

It was only fair.

If Anna could not pass the earlier assessments, it only proved she did not have the mettle to stay.

“Captain.”

Off in the distance, a man in an olive-drab tee approached, saluting Percival crisply.

This was Soren, the physical training examiner.

After exchanging pleasantries with Percival, Soren sized up Vivienne. Then his gaze landed on Anna. “So you’re the little lady who waltzed in through the back door?”

His tone was less than friendly, and his eyes were full of disdain.

Thomas signaled to him discreetly, whispering, “Soren, watch the attitude.”

“Come on, man, she’s Ma’am’s protégé. Besides, it’s not like she wanted the shortcut. If she can’t make the cut, even Percival won’t keep her here. Don’t be so aggressive, or you might just tick off Percival!” He thought, trying to signal Soren with his eyes.

heard nothing, continuing his spiel to Anna. “I’m the physical training instructor. We will start your assessment now. If you don’t make it, beat

clearly

stepped forward angrily, “Soren, who the fuck

Soren. “You’re not wrong. Show your worth, and don’t waste

slightly. “Who’s wasting whose

annoyance crossed Percival’s face. “Soren,

of the Vanguard Agency’s special squad third division, was the most hot-headed of the captains, but his skills were second

of overall capability, he was stronger than

only person he respected was Percival. As for Thomas and Leopold,

hearing Percival speak, Soren’s attitude softened

me. Let your skills do the talking.” Soren gave Vivienne a warning

piqued Vivienne’s

real challenge was with

Interesting.

slight smile,

even beat Percival were not worthy opponents for

not make this complicated. You be my opponent. If I win, I stay for

saw the fire in the eyes of the teenager before

clothes, and a one-on-one battle with Soren unfolded

aware of Anna’s abilities and Soren’s

outcome was anyone’s

wager?” Vivienne raised an eyebrow.

money on Soren,” Percival replied, his

around, cheering on

roaring

fight between the two was fierce, with mud flying as they grappled, soon

and precise, and Anna used her agility to dodge his assaults

end, the match was too

on Anna’s vital point while she

in a stalemate, neither could

turning to Percival, “Looks like we

forward, and separated them, announcing

at Soren. “Man, are you embarrassed?

kicked a clod of mud,

couple of inches, and the mud landed right at the tip

a pebble soared up, striking