The Million-Dollar Heart

Seeing Jasper looking glum, Zelda could not help but offer some words of comfort. "Dad, I know each child is dear to you, just like Natalia and Yasmine. I always try to be fair, too. But respect is earned. Diana hasn't even apologized to Vivienne yet. Instead, she's playing the victim. How can we not complain?

Besides, you've been nothing but good to Diana over the years. Whatever others have, she has too, and often more. It's her own lack of gratitude that's the problem."

Jasper knew in his heart that Zelda was not one to make a fuss. Raised in the affluent Lynette family, she was not inclined to pettiness or suspicion.

Her words now were a sign of genuine anger and disappointment towards Diana.

"Alas, Diana's temperament isn't as adaptable as the others. She only had Willa to play with when she was little, and Willa was quite the ice queen herself. If Sasha were around, Diana might not have turned out so reclusive..." Jasper made a feeble excuse, but it was enough for the moment.

Zelda gave a wry smile, saying nothing more. She knew all too well that a father's heart always aches for his daughters.

Just then, Natalia and Yasmine came running in, laughing out loud. "Grandpa, Vivienne's here!"

At the mention of Vivienne, Jasper sprang from his recliner and hurried to welcome her.

Zelda shook her head in mild exasperation. "Dad, slow down. Vivienne keeps telling you to take it easy."

Jasper usually took Vivienne's words as gospel, but now, eager to greet her, he cast caution to the wind.

"Vivienne, have you eaten yet? I thought you were not coming until tomorrow. I haven't prepared anything special," Jasper chatted affectionately with Vivienne.

Vivienne stayed by Jasper's side all day, from morning till night, joining them for all three meals.

The Perez family was overjoyed. Vivienne's visits were usually brief, just long enough for a meal, but today, it felt like she had truly come home.

After dinner, Vivienne joined Jasper for a game of chess in the yard.

you heard of Noah?" Vivienne

paused, "Noah? Yorick's

nodded. "That's him. Do

had a few dealings with him. The guy's a bit of an oddball. We don't play along... I mean, we couldn't work together." Jasper's face was a study of conflicting emotions as he tried to maintain his image in

She was well aware of

him? I've heard a lot of people at Vanguard Agency

decline promotions, saying he preferred to be on the front lines. That's admirable. But he seems to

of doubt in her eyes as she asked, "He's interested in the ancient warrior lineages?" "Yes, he's been trying to merge the ancient warrior lineages with the

realized something and said, "So he fought to protect Vance because

shaking his head slightly. "He wants the ancient warrior lineages to take charge, not like Vance, who wants to kick them out of

taken aback. Noah was not part of the ancient

After Yorick moved up, I lost touch with Noah. All I know

always been two

lineage, which focused on defense and included

special squad, like Vance and Micah,

and influencing major decisions. They worked

position and why Leopold could easily join the Martinez

you bring up

head, placing a piece on the board,

realize he had been distracted by the conversation. He looked down at the board, his fingertips