The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Karen sat in front of her vanity mirror, draped in an ivory gown that complemented her flawless, pale skin, which was flushed with

a hint of rose. Her lips were thin as petals, and she looked radiant and captivating.

Arthur stood behind her, his gaze filled with love. "Karen, you're stunning, the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, with Vivienne

a close second. Now, everyone will know that I, Arthur, am a taken man!"

Karen laughed softly. "Oh, stop it with your sweet talk, or Vivienne might just not forgive you! Let's see how you'll cope without our

darling daughter's attention!"

Arthur leaned in and kissed Karen. "Then it'll be our little secret, and she won't have to know. Besides, Vivienne isn't one to hold a

grudge!"

Just then, Percival walked in with Vivienne. Karen's eyes sparkled with admiration. "Look at my darling daughter, inheriting all my

best traits. But this style doesn’t seem like something you'd pick out!"

Vivienne's delicate features tightened slightly. "Mom, are you questioning my taste?"

Karen's face lit up with a bright smile. "How's your arm, dear? Still hurting?"

There was a hint of regret in Karen's heart; worrying over her daughter was inevitable.

Vivienne shook her head, her lips curving slightly. "All healed. Don't you trust your own skills?"

"Alright, no need to be so cheeky," Karen tapped Vivienne on the head playfully.

Yorick approached with a smile. "Let's head to the front; everyone's arrived. Jasper's been naggingabout it."

Jasper had reserved the first table for the Perez family, taking a seat of honor.

Yorick took the stage, his strong hands formally introducing Vivienne. "Thank you all for joining the Linklater family's reunion.

Today, I'm proud to introduce my granddaughter, Vivienne."

Vivienne nodded gracefully to the audience, who responded with thunderous applause.

Comments flew around the room. "Yorick looks twenty years younger, rejuvenated by the joy of finding his granddaughter!"

"It's the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren, such deep affection!"

"Congratulations to Yorick, his granddaughter is more beautiful than an angel. Is she betrothed yet?"

Laughter and light-hearted banter filled the air.

Richard stood up abruptly, brandishing a cane. "Come, come, take a look at Vivienne and my grandson's marriage certificate!

They're already married, a match made in heaven. Those asking about her betrothal, make sure to bring a gift to the wedding!"

Cecilia gave Richard a thumbs-up, thinking, as if anyone could compete with such a daughter-in-law, a true blessing!

Percival added, "Grandpa, it's not just the wedding we'll invite them to, but also our future children's christening parties!"

Jasper, sitting at another table, couldn't stop smiling, feeling slightly threatened. "We need to make sure Vivienne spends twith

the Perez family too. Con, uncles, show sspirit. | have to be more important to her than Yorick!"

Yorick, as if sensing the challenge, addressed the room. "Vivienne is back with the Linklater family, our treasured granddaughter.

Sfolks better not dream of taking her away!"

Jasper retorted silently, "Who says | won't steal her back?"

Richard chimed in, "Countin!"

Vivienne pinched the bridge of her nose, clearly overwhelmed.

A scrutinizing gaze from the audience made Vivienne's expression turn cold. As she scanned the room, the intrusive gaze vanished.

Alyssa, trying to blend in with the murmuring crowd, whispered softly, "Vivienne seems displeased. When | glanced at her, her

demeanor instantly turned cold."

Kate frowned. "Look at Yorick throwing her a reunion party, and she can't even crack a smile. You'd think the Linklater family owed

her something. Her mother didn't teach her any manners!"

Alyssa sighed, linking arms with Kate. "Karen's background is a mystery. It's tough being a single mom, especially with a child."

Kate's frown deepened. "She probably never received a proper education. How can she match the War God? Moving around with a

child, flirting left and right. You should've taken your chance with him!"

"I couldn't," Alyssa bit her lip. "His daughter is all grown up, and Yorick adores Vivienne. I..."

Despite her words, her conflicted expression said it all.

Kate patted her shoulder. "Yorick's old. He wants a granddaughter around. But remember, when the Linklater family has a

grandson, Vivienne's status will be clear. Karen's lack of background is not a threat."

A spark of determination flashed in Alyssa's eyes. "Let's skip this boring party and explore the Linklater estate."

Kate's eyes gleamed. "Seems you're not finding your heartthrob, Arthur, here. Let's look elsewhere then."

"Hey, sis, are you guys heading out? Can | ctoo?" Five-year-old Danielle Wright tugged at Alyssa's dress hem, her voice sweet

and hopeful.

Danielle's bright eyes twinkled with a mix of confusion and excitement. "Okay, I'll eat the cupcakes first. You'll cback to play

withafter, right?"

Alyssa nodded hurriedly and turned to leave with Kate.

Karen, feeling a bit too warm in his embrace, tried to wriggle free.

Arthur pulled her back in, holding her even tighter. "We haven't had this kind of leisurely moment in ages."

With a playful punch to his chest, Karen protested, "It's too hot, don't holdso tight. We might as well head back to the party

instead of sneaking away like this."

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