The Million-Dollar Heart

The world champion announced his retirement the moment he lifted the trophy, sending shock waves through the competitive gaming community. Aaron's retirement news hit the trending lists instantly, outshining even Hawk's victory celebration in terms of online explosion.

Yet, the person who took it the hardest was Kenneth.

"Dammit, he wins, and then he quits? How is that any different from those jerks who ghost you after a one-night stand!" Kenneth raged.

Callum tried to reason. "Dude, that... Might not be the best analogy."

Kenneth shot him a glare that could scorch the earth. "Well then, genius, you tell me how to put it!"

The room fell silent, fearing Kenneth's wrath. Seething, Kenneth grabbed his phone and called Aaron, unleashing a tirade that lasted a solid ten minutes without repeating a single insult. Aaron, however, said nothing, hanging up the phone as soon as Kenneth took a breath.

Kenneth stared at his phone, the tone droning in his ear, his face so dark that even the devil would steer clear.

Callum instinctively scooted back.

They all knew Kenneth was at his most terrifying, not when he was shouting but silent like this.

Kenneth's grip on his phone whitened his knuckles.

Suddenly, with a loud crash, Kenneth slammed his phone to the ground and spun around, intent on confronting Aaron.

But standing behind him, more menacing than Hades himself, was Percival.

"Bro," Kenneth immediately lowered his head, "I screwed up, punish me whatever way you want."

Percival sat down, his long legs crossed, leaning back casually on the couch. He looked up and asked, "What did you do wrong?"

"I embarrassed you."

Percival's eyes flashed coldly. "You still don't realize what you did wrong, and you have the nerve to settle scores with Aaron?"

Kenneth flinched as if struck.

knew Percival was furious

a solo kill on Aaron in game three? You neglected the high

questions left

ended, he knew that they lost mainly because of his own

let his temper get the best of him and disrupted the team's synergy, allowing

by Aaron that he lost sight of everything else. Otherwise, in terms of teamwork alone, even if Hawk had won, it would not have been such an easy victory.

up the captain. He's

side table with a slap of his hand. Kenneth

Meanwhile, on the rooftop.

Aaron touched the medal around his neck, his face devoid

Vivienne understood.

prime age for an E-sports player,

this

was not just

was the pressure

a lot of professional training in his youth and now had to catch up

It's my passion, my irreplaceable

before looking

patted his head, "If you've made your choice, don't regret it. Life's

nodded firmly at

say more. Aaron was smart enough to know that even if he continued in E-sports, there would come a day to retire. By then, there might be no place for him in the Miller family. He was not doing it for money but for

allow the Miller family to look down on him. For his mother's sake, he had to

withdrew her hand, saying, "Go say

aren't you celebrating

away, she waved her hand

watched Vivienne's retreating figure, the light

now on, I won't

car rolled out at the Centurial E-sport Hotel parking

the back,