The Million-Dollar Heart

Karen sat in front of her vanity mirror, draped in an ivory gown that complemented her flawless, pale skin, which was flushed with
a hint of rose. Her lips were thin as petals, and she looked radiant and captivating.
Arthur stood behind her, his gaze filled with love. "Karen, you're stunning, the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, with Vivienne
a close second. Now, everyone will know that I, Arthur, am a taken man!" Karen laughed softly. "Oh, stop it with your sweet talk,
or Vivienne might just not forgive you! Let's see how you'll cope without our darling daughter's attention!"
Arthur leaned in and kissed Karen. "Then it'll be our little secret, and she won't have to know. Besides, Vivienne isn't one to hold
a grudge!"
Just then, Percival walked in with Vivienne. Karen's eyes sparkled with admiration. "Look at my darling daughter, inheriting all my
best traits. But this style doesn't seem like something you'd pick out!" Vivienne's delicate features tightened slightly. "Mom, are
you questioning my taste?"
Karen's face lit up with a bright smile. "How's your arm, dear? Still hurting?"
There was a hint of regret in Karen's heart; worrying over her daughter was inevitable.
Vivienne shook her head, her lips curving slightly. "All healed. Don't you trust your own skills?"
"Alright, no need to be so cheeky," Karen tapped Vivienne on the head playfully.
Yorick approached with a smile. "Let's head to the front; everyone's arrived. Jasper's been nagging me about it."
Jasper had reserved the first table for the Perez family, taking a seat of honor.
Yorick took the stage, his strong hands formally introducing Vivienne. "Thank you all for joining the Linklater family's reunion.
Today, I'm proud to introduce my granddaughter, Vivienne."
Vivienne nodded gracefully to the audience, who responded with thunderous applause.
Comments flew around the room. "Yorick looks twenty years younger, rejuvenated by the joy of finding his granddaughter!"
"It's the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren, such deep affection!"
"Congratulations to Yorick, his granddaughter is more beautiful than an angel. Is she betrothed yet?"

Laughter and light-hearted banter filled the air.
Richard stood up abruptly, brandishing a cane. "Come, come, take a look at Vivienne and my grandson's marriage certificate!
They're already married, a match made in heaven. Those asking about her betrothal, make sure to bring a gift to the wedding!"
Cecilia gave Richard a thumbs-up, thinking, as if anyone could compete with such a daughter-in-law, a true blessing!
Percival added, "Grandpa, it's not just the wedding we'll invite them to, but also our future children's christening parties!"
Jasper, sitting at another table, couldn't stop smiling, feeling slightly threatened. "We need to make sure Vivienne spends time
with the Perez family too. Come on, uncles, show some spirit. I have to be more important to her than Yorick!"
Yorick, as if sensing the challenge, addressed the room. "Vivienne is back with the Linklater family, our treasured granddaughter.
Some folks better not dream of taking her away!"
Jasper retorted silently, "Who says I won't steal her back?"
Richard chimed in, "Count me in!"
Vivienne pinched the bridge of her nose, clearly overwhelmed.
A scrutinizing gaze from the audience made Vivienne's expression turn cold. As she scanned the room, the intrusive gaze
vanished.
Alyssa, trying to blend in with the murmuring crowd, whispered softly, "Vivienne seems displeased. When I glanced at her, her
demeanor instantly turned cold."
Kate frowned. "Look at Yorick throwing her a reunion party, and she can't even crack a smile. You'd think the Linklater family
owed her something. Her mother didn't teach her any manners!"
Alyssa sighed, linking arms with Kate. "Karen's background is a mystery. It's tough being a single mom, especially with a child."
Kate's frown deepened. "She probably never received a proper education. How can she match the War God? Moving around
with a child, flirting left and right. You should've taken your chance with him!" "I couldn't," Alyssa bit her lip. "His daughter is all
grown up, and Yorick adores Vivienne. I..."
Despite her words, her conflicted expression said it all.

Kate patted her shoulder. "Yorick's old. He wants a granddaughter around. But remember, when the Linklater family has a
grandson, Vivienne's status will be clear. Karen's lack of background is not a threat."
A spark of determination flashed in Alyssa's eyes. "Let's skip this boring party and explore the Linklater estate."
Kate's eyes gleamed. "Seems you're not finding your heartthrob, Arthur, here. Let's look elsewhere then."
"Hey, sis, are you guys heading out? Can I come too?" Five-year-old Danielle Wright tugged at Alyssa's dress hem, her voice
sweet and hopeful.
Alyssa glanced down at the wrinkles
forming on her white dress, a
softness appearing in her eyes. She brushed Danielle's hair with her slender fingers. "Sis and Kate are just going to the
restroom. How about you stay here and enjoy some cupcakes by yourself? I'll come back and play with you in a bit, okay?"
Danielle's bright eyes twinkled with a mix of confusion and excitement. "Okay, I'll eat the cupcakes first. You'll come back to play
with me after, right?" Alyssa nodded hurriedly and turned to leave with Kate.
The backyard was crafted with precision, its oak beams
crisscrossing to form a picturesque gazebo. The ceiling, an intricate pattern of solid and voids made of the same wood, was
adorned with twinkling fairy lights, casting a warm głow on the cozy lounge sofas and intimate seating areas below.
Arthur's strong arms were wrapped around Karen as they lay sprawled on one of the large sofas, his steady breaths warming the
nape of her neck. A content smile played on his lips, his eyes closed in a serene expression, a testament to their deep, bone-
deep connection. en.FindNovels.net
Karen, feeling a bit too warm in his embrace, tried to wriggle free.
Arthur pulled her back in, holding her even tighter. "We haven't had this kind of leisurely moment in ages."
With a playful punch to his chest, Karen protested, "It's too hot, don't hold me so tight. We might as well head back to the party
instead of sneaking away like this."