The Million-Dollar Heart

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.

Thomas and Leopold are about to jump ship to join Percival and his wife. What's

With my condition, I'm not fit for service

his restless hands,

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

usually sharp eyes were filled with

change that. You're afraid of being outclassed, afraid Percival won't need you. You act like you don't care, but you're

visibly irked by Anna. "I've dealt with far more dangerous people than this. Why would

wrist to lead him out. "Then prove it. Let's go see Vance together and

speechless. He tensed his wrist, breaking free from Anna's grip. "Wait. Just wait. When did I say I wanted to resign? Let me think

through the

her cheek, teasingly watching Soren's flustered retreat, her eyes

At the Perez household.

family would usually be

wouldn't miss out on

games, or catching up with Willa, who was probably out caring

But today was different.

brothers stood on

of them had a sharp, unwavering gaze

hand opposite Jasper. "Jasper, you and my father go way back, and I don't want any trouble. Hand over Vivienne quickly, or don't blame me

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 he didn't mince

Grimshaw family behind him were armed to the teeth, clearly prepared for

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