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.

saw and 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 it, and

were clearly directed at

who the fuck do you think

icy gaze landing squarely on Soren. “You’re not wrong.

slightly. “Who’s wasting whose time is yet to be

Percival’s face. “Soren, empty threats aren’t

Agency’s special squad third division, was the most hot-headed of the

capability, he was stronger than Leopold and just

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

speak, Soren’s attitude softened

your skills do the talking.” Soren

look piqued

real challenge was

Interesting.

curved into a slight smile, utterly unfazed by

even beat Percival were not

backpack to the ground and faced Soren defiantly. “Let’s not make this complicated. You be my opponent. If I win, I

fire

clothes, and a one-on-one battle with

aware of Anna’s abilities and

was

raised an eyebrow. “I bet a hundred grand on

on

trainees gathered around, cheering

fueled by the roaring crowd, only grew more

with mud flying as they

moves were sharp and precise, and Anna used her agility to dodge his

the end, the match

point while

a stalemate, neither

lips formed a triumphant smile, turning to Percival, “Looks like we

whistle, stepped forward, and separated them, announcing the result, “It’s

Soren. “Man, are you embarrassed? Fighting to a draw with

mud, sending it flying

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

toe, a pebble soared