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.

jump ship to join Percival and his wife.

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

expressionless face to his restless hands, she suddenly

if Vanguard goes under, I'm still your boss! Watch your tone!" Soren's hand slipped, and his

his usually sharp eyes

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

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

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

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

gentle breeze filtered through

watching Soren's flustered retreat, her eyes sparkling with

At the Perez household.

Perez family would usually

wouldn't miss out on this precious

video games, or catching up with Willa, who was probably out caring for Karen. No one in their

But today was different.

the Perez brothers stood on either side

a sharp, unwavering gaze

despite the summer heat, holding a rosary in his 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 for being

day before when facing Vivienne. Facing Jasper, his aura was imposing, the fierce glint in

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