The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne)
Chapter 752

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.

"Hey, are you even listening? Thomas and Leopold are about to jump ship to join Percival and his wife. What's your take on this?"

Soren was doodling 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 unblinking.

From Soren's expressionless face to his restless hands, she suddenly laughed. "Coward!"

"Anna! Even if Vanguard goes under, I'm still your boss! Watch your tone!" Soren's hand slipped, and his pen drew a long arc across the paper.

Looking up, his usually sharp eyes were filled with anger.

Anyone else would've been terrified by Soren's 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 don't care, but you're just too scared to face your own feelings!"

"Nonsense." Soren, always stoic, was visibly irked by Anna. "I've dealt with far more dangerous people than this. Why would I be scared?"

Anna smiled, grabbing his wrist to lead him out. "Then prove it. Let's go see Vance together and quit."

Soren was 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 about it."

A gentle breeze filtered through the window, tickling their faces.

Anna scratched her cheek, teasingly watching Soren's flustered retreat, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

At the Perez household.

Around noon, the Perez family would usually be taking their siesta.

Even Luke, the busy bee, wouldn't miss out on this precious downtime.

And for someone like Maddox, who disliked naps, he'd be chilling in the AC, playing video games, or catching up with Willa, who was probably out caring for Karen. No one in their right mind would be out under the scorching sun.

But today was different.

Led by Jasper, with Luke supporting their father, the Perez brothers stood on either side of Jasper, their family's women and children safely behind them.

All of them had a sharp, unwavering gaze fixed ahead.

Asher, as usual, was clad in a black suit 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 ruthless!"

Asher's demeanor was a stark contrast to the 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 words.

The Grimshaw family behind him were armed to the teeth, clearly prepared for a confrontation.

Maddox couldn't stand Asher's haughty 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 you to deal with this lackey? I haven't had a good workout in days. Today's a perfect opportunity to put him in his place!"

If Oliver Grimshaw were here, they might have hesitated.

But Asher?

Hardly a threat!

Fredrick remained silent, but his disdain for Asher was written all over his face.

Asher kept his composure, but his rosary beads shattered, grinding into dust that scattered in the breeze.

Isaac, standing behind him, could no longer contain himself. He stepped forward, pointing at Jasper's nose, his voice thunderous. "Jasper, is this how the Perez family treats their guests? Our young master has been nothing but polite. Vivienne is just a girl; she means nothing to your family. Even if you're fond of your adopted granddaughter, you should consider the well-being of the entire Perez family."

He tilted his chin up ever so slightly, his haughty demeanor so pronounced that even good ol' Luke, the most down-to-earth guy in the room, couldn't help but frown.

"I'd think twice if I were you," Issac warned, his voice dripping with arrogance. "Behind me stand the elite of the Grimshaw family, while your family's nothing but frail elders and womenfolk. If it came down to it, they wouldn't stand a chance!"

"And what kind of trash are you to bark like that in front of my dad?" came the retort.

Before another word could escape Issac's lips, Fredrick's foot flew up and connected squarely with Isaac's chest. There was a series of sharp, bone-chilling cracks, and Isaac was sent hurtling through the air! He skidded across the ground for several meters before finally slamming into a pillar and coming to a jarring halt!

Blood splattered the floor, a vivid crimson that jarred the senses of everyone present.

Asher's face shifted through shades of anger, the usually suave and gentle man now looking like a demon clawed straight from the depths of hell, his icy glare settling on Fredrick.

After a chilling half-second, his gaze shifted to Jasper. "Jasper," he said, his voice cold and hard, "it seems you're not in the mood for a peaceful chat."