The Million-Dollar Heart

Danielle twirled around in the garden, his face illuminated by the soft glow of the moonlight. He reached out his hands, trying to catch the light, a big grin spreading across his face.

Karen and Arthur, from a little distance away, watched the scene unfold with tender smiles. Seeing Danielle so happy warmed their hearts.

As the evening drew to a close and the fireflies began to dwindle, a tired Danielle wobbled over to Karen, his little legs barely keeping up. In his sweet, childlike voice, he reached out his hands and said, "Auntie Karen, uppy please?"

Karen's heart melted at the request, vivid memories of her own daughter, Vivienne, asking for the same thing when she was younger. With a gentle smile, she scooped Danielle into her arms. "It's getting late, sweetie. Your family is waiting in the hall. The fireflies have all gone to bed; maybe we should too."

Danielle's soft hands gently touched Karen's face. "Thank you, Auntie Karen, for showing me the fireflies. Can we play together again?"

How could Karen resist such a request? "Of course, but it's past your bedtime. You need to get some sleep so you can grow big and strong. Otherwise, you won't be able to hold even a small shovel!" Danielle nodded obediently, his admiration for Karen evident.

Upon entering the hall, Karen was greeted by two of the Wright family's staff, who were visibly relieved to see Danielle safe and sound.

"Master Danielle, you had us worried sick wandering off like that," one of them scolded gently.

been informed, sir. The lord

leave you in their

down, he reassured the staff, "Don't worry, I had a lot of fun

exchanged puzzled glances but were relieved to see him unharmed and happy. They quickly reported back

for looking after our young master. We'd be in a world of trouble

chuckled, "No thanks needed. It's

left, Danielle waved goodbye, "Auntie Karen,

back,

guests prepared to leave, Karen took the stage. "Thank you all for joining us at my daughter's coming-of-age celebration. It's been a memorable day. With

future matriarch of the Linklater family. A perfect match for the War God himself, though I wonder who

laughter and

with pride in his eyes, announced, "Karen is the

continued, revealing Karen's true mentorship under him at the Vanguard

hall, "Karen is my biological daughter, Sasha Perez! Lost to us years ago,