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.

instructor. We will start your assessment now. If you don’t make it,

clearly directed

forward angrily, “Soren, who the fuck do

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

frowned slightly. “Who’s wasting whose time

face. “Soren, empty

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

he was stronger than

As for Thomas and Leopold,

Percival speak, Soren’s attitude softened

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

look piqued Vivienne’s

real challenge was

Interesting.

slight smile,

who could not even beat Percival were not worthy opponents for

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

challenge, Soren saw the fire in the eyes

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

aware of Anna’s abilities and Soren’s

outcome was

to wager?” Vivienne raised an

put my money on

around, cheering

roaring crowd,

was fierce, with mud flying as they grappled, soon turning

were sharp and precise, and Anna used her agility to

the end, the match was

a grip on Anna’s vital point while she held his artery in

stalemate,

triumphant smile, turning to Percival,

stepped forward, and separated them, announcing

you embarrassed? Fighting to a draw with

mud, sending it flying straight at

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

toe, a pebble soared up,