The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Thomas shot Leopold a look that screamed "Are you out of your mind?" before saying, "What's that got to do with me?"

Leopold stood his ground, indignant. "Of course, it's got to do with you. I've been holding off telling you about quitting because I didn't want you to feel all alone at Vanguard. I had no idea you were also fed up. Hurry up already; let's get our resignation letters done and get out of here. I can't stand another day in this place!"

As the afternoon sun spilled into the office, Anna walked in, clutching a stack of files just in time to overhear the conversation.

She raised an eyebrow, her eyes dancing with mischief as she approached Leopold. "Oh, Husky had enough of hard work? Vance was singing your praises just yesterday, saying you're creative. Don't give up so easily."

"Get lost," Leopold grumbled, annoyed at the nickname. "If you drop that moniker, maybe we can still be friends."

Anna leaned in to catch a glimpse of his screen, and the bold, capitalized words 'RESIGNATION LETTER' hit her eyes. She looked at Leopold in surprise. "For real, you're quitting?"

"Does it look like I'm joking?" Leopold declared, more serious than he'd ever been, having spent the entire afternoon crafting the perfect resignation letter.

Thomas copied it verbatim, and they sent it to Vance's inbox.

Meanwhile, Anna was in Soren's office.

"Hey, are you even listening? Thomas and Leopold are about to jump ship to join Percival and his wife. What's your take on this?"

Soren was doodling absent-mindedly, "What's there to think? If they want to go to the captain, let them. With my condition, I'm not fit for service anyway. It's nice to retire peacefully here." Anna stared at him, her clear blue eyes unblinking.

From Soren's expressionless face to his restless hands, she suddenly laughed. "Coward!"

boss! Watch your tone!" Soren's hand slipped, and

usually sharp eyes were

unfazed. "You're a coward, and getting mad won't change that. You're afraid of being outclassed, afraid Percival won't

stoic, was visibly irked by Anna. "I've dealt with far more dangerous

lead him out. "Then prove it. Let's

tensed his wrist, breaking free from Anna's grip. "Wait. Just wait. When did I say I wanted

breeze filtered through

with amusement. Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ FɪndNøvel.ɴᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters

At the Perez household.

Perez family would

busy bee, wouldn't miss

naps, he'd be chilling in the AC, playing video games, or catching up with Willa, who was probably out caring for Karen. No one in their right mind would be

But today was different.

with Luke supporting their father, the Perez brothers stood on

had a sharp, unwavering

clad in a black suit despite the summer heat, holding a rosary in his hand opposite Jasper. "Jasper, you and

the mild contempt he had shown the day before when facing Vivienne. Facing Jasper, his aura was imposing, the fierce glint in his eyes unmistakable, and

were armed to the teeth, clearly

what are you? Daring to make a scene here? If I don't teach you a lesson today, you won't learn what manners are!" Yuri toyed with his sword, his smile scornful. "Bro, do we need you to deal with this

Grimshaw were here, they might have