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."

laughed heartily. "Having these two gems in my family is an honor for the Perez. Sasha was an unexpected gift, but

to Vivienne's side, examining her right hand with a grave expression. "I'll

"It's nothing serious.

strolled over, casually popping Vivienne's arm

and simply

your father?"

"I will!" Vivienne nodded.

didn't mean

showed concern. "Yaya, weren't you a bit too harsh on our daughter?

turned to Vivienne, his voice softening. "Vivienne, if you're not ready to accept me, that's

circles on the ground with her toe, her eyes revealing a mix of

pulled Vivienne into a hug. "I knew it. You're my most precious daughter, my

urge

your mother's sweetheart, but you're also the heart and soul of my life. I'll always be by your

Karen would choose my son and give us such an intelligent and beautiful granddaughter. Since Vivienne is willing to accept Arthur as her father, she's officially a member of the Linklater family. We'll throw a grand party to celebrate and introduce Karen

preparations

celebration is grand enough to honor

in his eye, "Don't

his entire family to the