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."

my family is an honor for the Perez. Sasha was an unexpected gift, but Vivienne

her right hand with a grave expression.

"It's nothing serious.

Vivienne's arm back into place,

and simply stated,

the bet? Acknowledge Arthur as your father?" Karen crossed her arms, her tone

"I will!" Vivienne nodded.

outwardly didn't mean she

standing beside Karen, showed concern. "Yaya, weren't you a bit too harsh on our daughter? I thought we agreed

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

with her toe,

"I knew it. You're my

resisted the urge to roll her

also the heart and soul of my life. I'll always be by

such an intelligent and beautiful granddaughter. Since Vivienne is willing to accept Arthur as

oversee the preparations

you! Make sure the celebration is grand enough to honor my daughter and granddaughter.

twinkle in his eye, "Don't worry; you won't get

then turned to Percival with a reminder to bring his entire family to the celebration, ensuring it would be