The Million-Dollar Heart

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 nagging me about 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.

"Yorick looks twenty years younger, rejuvenated by the joy of finding his

grandparents and grandchildren,

more beautiful than

and light-hearted banter filled

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

Richard a thumbs-up, thinking, as if anyone could compete

it's not just the wedding we'll invite them to,

sure Vivienne spends time with the Perez family too. Come on, uncles, show some

challenge, addressed the room. "Vivienne is back with the Linklater family, our treasured granddaughter. Some

says I

chimed in,

pinched the bridge of her

made Vivienne's expression turn cold. As she scanned

crowd, whispered softly, "Vivienne seems displeased. When I glanced at her, her demeanor instantly turned

can't even crack a smile.

is a mystery. It's tough being a single mom, especially with a

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

conflicted

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.

spark of determination flashed in Alyssa's eyes. "Let's