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!"

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

sharp eyes

would've been terrified by Soren's rage, but not Anna. She propped her chin with one hand, unfazed. "You're a coward, and getting mad won't change that. You're afraid of being outclassed, afraid Percival won't need you. You act like you don't care, but you're just too scared to face your

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

out. "Then prove it. Let's go see Vance

He tensed his wrist, breaking free from Anna's grip. "Wait. Just

gentle breeze filtered through the window,

cheek, teasingly watching Soren's flustered retreat, her eyes sparkling with amusement. Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ FɪndNøvel.ɴᴇt website on

At the Perez household.

Perez family would usually

the busy bee, wouldn't miss out on this

like Maddox, who disliked 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 out under

But today was different.

by Jasper, with Luke supporting their father, the Perez brothers stood on either side of Jasper, their family's women and children safely behind

had a sharp,

Jasper. "Jasper, you and my father go way

was a stark contrast to the mild contempt he had shown the day before when facing Vivienne. Facing

family behind him were armed to

attitude. "Asher, without your old man, 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