The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne) novel Chapter 389

Scott suddenly grabbed Calista's neck, pulling her roughly toward him as his eyes blazed with a chilling intensity.

"No? Then you’ll die for it!"

Calista's eyes reddened with fear, and tears streamed down her face instantly.

She knew Scott was serious—he would undoubtedly let her die.

Disgusted, Scott pushed Calista away and wiped his hands with a tissue. "Brody has bugged you. Get back to the lab tomorrow, work on that virus with TIC Research Institute, and don't screw up."

Calista nodded in understanding. "Yes, I've got it."

Scott gave Calista a cold glance that carried the same annoyance as he felt with her mother.

Then, donning his mask, he stood up and left. He still had to track down Rowan and Ismene.

Those two had betrayed the organization, and they would not be forgiven.

In the restaurant, Vivienne bit into a juicy steak, scrolling through messages on her phone.

[Vivienne, Timothy's fine. The Brooks family business is a bit messy, but Baron's in charge, so it's stable. Timothy's been auditing the company accounts lately.]

While chewing on her steak, Vivienne replied. [If Timothy's alright, then check on Carl. Make sure their whole family's safe.]

Matthew responded promptly. [On it.]

Vivienne was engrossed in her phone, oblivious to Percival's longing gaze from across the table.

It was not until Vivienne reached for the next dish that she noticed Percival's eager eyes.

"Mr. Wolf, do I look that appetizing to you?"

A shadow flickered in Percival's eyes, which seemed to linger on Vivienne. "Yes, you do look quite appetizing."

"Then eat up. You've got a match this afternoon." Vivienne forked some salad into her mouth.

Percival raised an eyebrow. "You know?"

Vivienne glanced up. "Snake lost their championship chance in the team match three years ago, but a month later, they came back and took six titles in a row. There’s no way they did that by themselves."

After all, as Hawk's top coach, Vivienne knew all about the history of her old rival, Snake.

Snake, though fresher with new blood compared to Hawk, still lagged in skill.

Back in their prime, Bennett and his team could outplay many professional gamers worldwide.

But with slower reflexes now and Hawk's lack of funds to attract promising new players, they were in decline.

Meanwhile, Snake had the backing of Kenneth's financial empire, willing to spend and nurture talent. With a mysterious coach joining three years ago, they quickly surpassed old rival Hawk to become the top in the nation.

Vivienne had been curious about this secretive coach. She had sent Matthew to investigate but to no avail.

Now that she had met Percival, the pieces fell into place.

She had never imagined facing off against Mr. Wolf.

Percival no longer hid his intentions, switching his finely cut steak onto Vivienne's plate and raising his juice glass in a toast. "Then, Vivienne, good luck."

Vivienne licked the salad dressing from the corner of her mouth, her eyes sparkling mischievously. She raised her glass and clinked it lightly against his. "Mr. Wolf, Hawk won’t hold back."

...

The teams for the group stage were announced on the first day of the qualifiers.

Hawk and Snake both made it to the group stage but were not placed in the same group.

Kenneth smirked at the grouping information, taunting Bennett across the room, "Tell Aaron we'll see him in the finals—if you guys make it that far."

Bennett pocketed the information and said with a nonchalant smile, "Why don't you tell Aaron yourself? I saw you carrying Aaron back to the lounge at lunch. Seems like you’re quite close."

With that, Bennett left the drawing room with a flourish.

Everyone present knew about the tension between Kenneth and Aaron.

But now, Kenneth looked like Aaron's "little lackey," carrying him back to the lounge.

Everyone knew about the fiery temper of Kenneth, the young heir of the Ellington family.