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.

“I’m the physical training instructor. We will start your assessment now. If you don’t make it,

clearly

angrily, “Soren, who the fuck do you think

squarely on Soren. “You’re not

“Who’s wasting whose time is yet to

annoyance crossed Percival’s face. “Soren,

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

capability, he was stronger

Percival. As for

Percival speak,

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

look piqued Vivienne’s

seemed Soren’s real challenge was with

Interesting.

a slight smile, utterly

even beat Percival were not

the ground and faced Soren defiantly. “Let’s not make this complicated. You be my opponent. If I win, I stay for training. If I lose, I’ll

saw the fire in the eyes of the teenager

and a one-on-one battle with Soren

the sidelines, aware of

outcome was anyone’s

care to wager?” Vivienne raised an eyebrow. “I bet a hundred grand on

my money on Soren,” Percival replied, his

gathered around,

roaring crowd, only

flying as they grappled,

and Anna used her agility to dodge his

end, the match was too close to

point while

a stalemate, neither could

formed a triumphant smile, turning to Percival,

separated them, announcing the result, “It’s a

you embarrassed? Fighting

mud, sending it flying straight at

and the mud landed right at

her toe, a pebble soared up, striking Soren’s