The Million-Dollar Heart

A group of onlookers gathered on the clearing, their eyes fixed on the unfolding scene, yet none dared to break the silence.

Vivienne and Karen locked eyes, maintaining a safe distance between them under the moonlight that softly illuminated their faces.

Vivienne made the first move, launching a fierce palm strike towards Karen, sending a wave of fallen leaves rustling backward in Karen's direction and lifting her hair in the process.

With a calm expression, Karen leaned back and effortlessly somersaulted, easily dodging Vivienne's attack.

Landing swiftly, Karen leaped into the air again, her right fist shooting out rapidly and forcefully, aiming straight for Vivienne's stomach.

Vivienne, with a swift motion, pressed her toe against a nearby towering oak tree and caught Karen's punch with her left hand, a cracking sound echoing through the air.

Karen smirked, "Thought you could handle my punch with just one hand? Sweetie, you're still too naive."

Vivienne landed, refusing to admit defeat. With her right hand hanging lifelessly by her side, she swept at Karen's feet, causing the ground's stones to whirl up and shoot towards Karen. Karen jumped again, dodging with the agility of lightning. Swinging her fists, her moves became more complex and bewildering, crisscrossing in a dazzling display.

Vivienne, handicapped by her one usable hand, quickly found herself at a disadvantage, steadily losing ground.

Karen's dominance was evident to all spectators, who had initially worried about her recent recovery fearing she might be too weak. Yet, they had vastly underestimated Karen's strength.

"What a thrilling match!" Yorick approached, clapping enthusiastically.

"Jasper, your Perez family sure breeds them strong. Each move outdoes the next, neither giving any quarter. This is what true competition looks like."

honor for the Perez. Sasha was an unexpected

hand with a grave expression. "I'll

nothing serious. I can handle

over, casually popping Vivienne's arm back

gaze and simply

will you accept the bet? Acknowledge Arthur as your father?" Karen crossed her arms, her tone authoritative and

"I will!" Vivienne nodded.

didn't mean she

a bit too harsh on our daughter? I thought we agreed on restraint." His eyes reflected the pain

Vivienne, his voice softening. "Vivienne, if you're not ready to accept me, that's okay. You don't have to submit under your mother's authority.

her toe, her eyes revealing a mix of emotions. "I

Vivienne into a hug. "I knew it. You're my

urge to

are you your mother's sweetheart, but you're also the

willing to accept Arthur

preparations

for you! Make sure the celebration is grand enough

responded with a twinkle in his eye, "Don't

turned to Percival with a reminder to bring his entire