The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne) novel Chapter 394

Vivienne arched an eyebrow, a playful smirk on her lips. "Let's hear it."

"If I lose, you owe me a dance," Percival declared, his eyes holding a depth like the ocean as they fixed on her luminous, moonlit gaze.

She was stunning, breathtaking. Every time he looked into her eyes, he found beauty that shone with a graceful light he treasured above all else.

"Deal, I'll take the bet," she said, her voice laced with a hint of mischief. Leaning forward, Vivienne's soft red lips brushed against Percival's cheek.

After a moment, she pushed away from him. "The game has started, Mr. Wolf," she teased before leaving the rooftop.

Percival touched his cheek, still feeling the ghost of her kiss.

"Just you wait, I'll get my revenge," he muttered under his breath.

Down at the gaming arena, the atmosphere was electric, with a massive online audience tuning in. It was not just the gaming community—people who did not typically watch E-sports were also glued to their screens for this event. After all, the champion would be a hometown hero no matter who won.

Fans of Team Snake were waving banners with Kenneth's name, while supporters of Team Hawk were not far behind, hoisting up large signs rooting for Aaron.

As the players took their seats and the host announced the rules, Vivienne and Percival found their spots in the stands, eyes fixated on the live feed.

The match kicked off with Kenneth banning Aaron's go-to hero. Unperturbed, Aaron picked a solid, all-around choice.

Vivienne's lips curved into a knowing smile. The show was about to begin.

The heroes selected, Aaron played steadily, drawing first blood against Kenneth and clearing his jungle camps. Kenneth cursed under his breath but rallied, taking Aaron down in a counterattack and even snatching Bennett's red buff.

The match was a back-and-forth dance. Team Snake's synergy was clear, quickly gaining the upper hand. But Quentin of Team Hawk had stealthily secured the best position for the dragon. However, with Callum's help, Kenneth clinched it.

The tides of battle were apparent. Aaron was still powering up, farming his jungle while letting Fergus take hits and Bennett feed a couple of kills.

Kenneth was smug. He knew Aaron was not comfortable with his hero and seemed outmatched.

Launching a team fight, Team Snake pushed two turrets on the top lane. On the other side, Bennett took the opportunity to knock down one of the enemy's turrets.

Still, Team Snake maintained control.

With the baron now in play, Kenneth took it down, bloodied but unbowed, and they pushed for the high ground.

Aaron finally made a move, acing Team Snake in a solo slaughter.

Team Hawk rallied, taking down the outer turrets on all lanes.

Due to the baron buff, this was not enough for a comeback.

After regrouping, Team Snake launched an assault on the top lane, using the last of the baron's power to reach the nexus.

Team Hawk fought valiantly but fell short.

The first game went to Team Snake.

The second game started with Hawk banning first, and just like Kenneth, Aaron banned Kenneth's last hero yet chose the same hero for himself.

Kenneth had anticipated this move, having trained with different heroes the past few days.

Team Hawk changed tactics, initiating an early team fight—a risky move for any pro player. Engaging in an all-out team fight without enough net worth was almost suicide.

As they tried to hold mid-lane, Bennett took a detour and snatched the opponent's red buff, leaving Callum fuming over his lost treasure.

The outcome was inevitable. Despite a close match, Snake's composure was shattered.

As the shoutcaster announced, "Victory for Team Hawk," confetti rained down, fireworks erupted, and the championship trophy ascended amid cheers.

Team Hawk, the world champions, lifted their trophy high, basking in the glory of their hard-fought victory.

The microphone was passed to Aaron, now a legend in his own right, as the crowd erupted in celebration for their new hometown heroes.

Clutching the microphone with hands that could not quite steady themselves, Aaron struggled to conceal his excitement, his voice wavering and eyes glistening with tears. "This victory, the person we owe it to the most is our coach!"

Aaron's gaze swept across the sea of faces below him until he found the one that had become etched into his memory. "Without her, there would be no 'us' today. I wouldn't have reached these heights. I just want to say, Coach, thank you. There will always be a place for you in my heart. You are, and always will be, the most important person to me."

After his words hung in the air, the room stilled for a few heartbeats before erupting into a frenzy of cheers.

But was this really just gratitude he was expressing?

It sounded suspiciously like a love confession!

Aaron ducked his head, taking a moment to compose himself before he looked up again, only to find that Vivienne had vanished from sight.

His grip on the microphone tightened, and a shadow of sadness flickered across his eyes.

"While I have this moment," Aaron said, his voice dropping to a gravitas that commanded the room's attention, "there's something else I need to announce."

The buzzing crowd hushed, hanging on his every word.

After a brief pause, Aaron spoke again, each word deliberate and weighted, "After this competition, I will be retiring along with the entire team!"