The Million-Dollar Heart

Meanwhile.

Anna followed the figure to a secluded field, cornering the person in black who had no escape. With her eyes narrowed, she launched a powerful blow towards the person's back, her strike swift and fierce.

The wind from her palm cut through the opposing breeze, but the person in black sidestepped, easily neutralizing her attack and sending Anna flying several feet away.

Despite the aggressive move, it was clear the person in black had no intention of injuring Anna. Otherwise, the chase wouldn't have been a series of defensive moves.

With her brows furrowed but curiosity in her eyes, Anna noted the person used the same techniques she did, and their strength surpassed hers.

She couldn't believe there was someone else so similar to "her."

She had to see who this person was with her own eyes.

Launching another attack, Anna put her all into it, forcing the person in black to counter with significant force. However, she suddenly pulled back, causing her opponent to pause, but it was too late to withdraw their strength entirely. Fortunately, they shifted their aim at the last moment, sparing Anna a direct hit to the chest.

Still, Anna's face paled momentarily.

The person in black was visibly shocked, unable to believe they had hurt someone.

Anna, clutching her chest, emotionally asked, "Is it really you?"

Without a word, the figure merely gave her a deep look before attempting to leave.

As Anna tried to follow, her injuries held her back, and she collapsed to the ground.

Years of longing and anguish came to a head, and she cried out hoarsely to the departing figure, "Mom!"

The person in black froze in their tracks.

Tears welling in her eyes, Anna voiced her pain, "You left me alone in Havenwood all those years ago. Are you going to leave me behind again?"

The figure halted, sighed deeply, and removed their hood, revealing a face strikingly similar to Anna's.

Daphne, presumed lost in

eyes, she approached her daughter, "It's me,

couldn't hold back any

to call her when she was little. Just hearing it

streamed down as she embraced the person in front of her. "Mom, I've missed you so

gambled on the slim hope that

her gamble

eyes reddened as she helped Anna up, concerned, "Are you hurt? I didn't

her head vigorously, pain forgotten in the

smiled wryly, "How did

saw the mole on your hand at the

what made

the back

not wanting to blink for fear

softly, "I'm not going

nodded, her heart swelling

Karen, had

Anna wiped away her tears and changed the subject. "Mom, what happened to you all

daughter's face, "Let's not talk about that now. You're hurt; let's get you

next morning, asking to meet at a secluded private

her concerns with Percival, who insisted on

had important reasons. If it was a trap, she was even more determined to go. Anna's safety was paramount. Percival, not

After their recent engagement,

was over the

out of the car. He quickly reminded her, "Vivienne, everything is set.

back to duty, reminding Leopold of the importance of his job and future