The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne) novel Chapter 386

At the hotel, Aaron's E-sports team was immersed in last-minute training before the big showdown.

Every face bore the same grim expression as if they were each carrying the weight of a debt of millions.

"We’re team fighting! You blind?"

"You’re the one to talk! Baron got stolen!"

"Shut up, you two feeders! We’re underfarmed. Stop rushing into fights!"

"Can we all just focus, please? The tournament's the day after tomorrow!"

The last to speak was Bennett, the team's good-natured captain. He had not seen Vivienne at the club's meeting the other day.

"Shut up!" The three of them rounded on Bennett in unison.

Although Bennett was the captain, his authority paled in comparison to the team's youngest member, Aaron. His seniority was the only reason he held the title.

He sighed. The team's recent losing streak had morale at rock bottom, and Kenneth's taunts had only added insult to injury.

He was relieved Aaron was not there; else, fists might have flown.

Aaron could not find humor in the quarrels inside.

These clashes were common, and their seven-game losing streak, a stark reversal from their previous seven-win streak, was a tough pill for anyone to swallow.

With Aaron around, they managed to keep it together, but in his absence, tempers flared even hotter.

Vivienne frowned. She remembered when this team was a united force set on claiming the championship. Now, it was a stark contrast.

"Vivienne..." Aaron bowed his head, too ashamed to look Vivienne in the eye.

With a loud bang, Vivienne kicked the door open.

Everyone jumped in their seats. Quentin, known for his hot temper, slammed his headset onto the desk.

"Damn it, Kenneth, not again... Holy smokes, Vivienne!"

They all stood up, crowding around as they recognized Vivienne; their anger dissolved into thin air.

"Vivienne, we thought you weren't coming."

"Thank goodness, with you back, Vivienne, we've got a fighting chance!"

"With Vivienne and Aaron, we'll definitely regain our honor!"

Bennett looked at Vivienne with a mix of excitement and speechlessness.

Aaron, too, was moved, his eyes shining like stars as he gazed at Vivienne.

But to their surprise, Vivienne's face was stormy. "You call yourselves pro gamers with this kind of behavior?"

Their smiles faded, and hope dimmed in their eyes. The room fell into an awkward silence, and even Aaron was unsure what to say next.

Finally, Bennett spoke up. "Vivienne, everyone's just really excited to see you."

Vivienne raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Now you remember you're supposed to lead this team?"

Bennett's voice faded as he looked down, fiddling with his fingers. Despite being the oldest, he seemed small under Vivienne's scolding.

He knew all too well how he had failed as a captain.

What could he do if he was disrespected by his teammates, overlooked by management, and dismissed by rival teams?