The Million-Dollar Heart

Alyssa's eyes blazed with fury, her knuckles white with tension, her chest heaving with barely contained rage. That Karen really
had a nerve! To think she could say whatever she pleased!
Arthur was hers and hers alone. No one else stood a chance!
Her face was a mask of icy disdain, "Since you're so keen to challenge me, I won't back down. Let's settle this in the ballroom, in
front of all the guests. Do you dare?!"
She couldn't swallow her pride unless she made Karen a public spectacle. Let's see if the Linklaters would still welcome her with
open arms after this embarrassment! No one was going to stop her from marrying Arthur. Karen was just the perfect opportunity
to make a statement!
Karen lifted her eyelids lazily, a smirk playing at the corner of her mouth, "Ms. Wright, if you're so bothered by seeing me cozy up
with Arthur, just say it. Why beat around the bush?" Alyssa hadn't expected Karen to see right through her, her gaze darkening.
From the moment she entered and saw them wrapped in each other's arms, she was green with envy, itching to slap Karen
across the face. But she was powerless to do anything! Karen stood up, Arthur's arms suddenly empty, the warmth between
them dissipating, fueling Alyssa's fury even more. These two women would never step foot inside the Linklater estate ever again!
"Let's head to the ballroom," Karen said with a teasing smile, leading the way, her voice calm but commanding.
Arthur wrapped his arm around her waist, almost causing a whirlwind as they passed Alyssa and Kate.
Alyssa's mood was stormy all the way to the ballroom, a far cry from her usually demure self, her eyes no longer soft.
As they approached the ballroom, Karen turned around with a light smile, "Ms. Wright, drop the sour face. You were all prim and
proper when you came to see me, what happened to that? Your beloved is right beside you, better fix that expression."
"You could never match Kate here; she's always carried herself with grace, something you lack."
Alyssa forced a smile uglier than tears, "I was just startled by a grasshopper on the way here."
Kate, looking displeased, retorted, "Stop stirring trouble!"
Karen ignored them, walking into the ballroom with an air of effortless grace.
Arthur, ever so attentive, adjusted her dress as they entered, making her look every bit the dignified queen.

The moment Karen and Arthur made their entrance, the room buzzed with excitement. Everyone wanted a moment with Arthur,
but he declined all offers, protective of Karen by his side. Dracon stood aside, fuming and nearly biting his glass in half.
Alyssa and Kate were quickly pushed to the sidelines, frantically trying to compose themselves.
Especially Alyssa, who was more focused on Karen than Arthur, determined not to let Karen escape this humiliation.
She wanted Karen to face utter embarrassment in front of everyone!
Approaching the stage, Karen's gaze swept over Alyssa, who walked up to join her.
The guests quieted down, the atmosphere filled with anticipation.
Alyssa grabbed the microphone, her voice gentle, Good evening, everyone, I'm Alyssa from the prestigious Wright family of
Rivenwood. Tonight, at this family reunion, I thought it'd be fun for Ms. Hawthorn and me to have a little excels in arts like music,
chess, and painting!"
competition. Let's see whittle
Kate chimed in, her eyes sparkling with excitement, "Since it's a competition, there must be a winner and a loser. Let's livestream
it and let the online audience vote. It'll add an exciting twist!"
Alyssa's lips curled up slightly. She knew exactly what Kate was thinking. If the decision were left to the guests, they might be
biased towards the Linklater family, giving Karen some leeway.
This way, Karen would be humiliated in front of a national audience. Let's see if she'd still have the face to marry Arthur after this!
But she feigned concern, asking Karen, "What do you think, Karen? If you're uncomfortable with this, we can call it off. It's just a
family gathering after all. We can keep it lively amongst ourselves." Karen, untroubled, replied with a dismissive glance, "You talk
too much."
Alyssa clenched her teeth and nodded for Kate to proceed.
Kate quickly set up a livestream, the viewership skyrocketing to a million in no time.
The buzz was enough to draw a crowd online, eager to witness a showdown between two ladies of the Rivenwood elite.

The comment section exploded with anticipation and curiosity about Karen, an unknown entity to many.
For the first competition, a grand
piano was brought in. Not just any piano, but one of the world's most expensive, valued at five million dollars, crafted entirely out
of crystal. It shimmered under the lights, a sight to behold, setting the
stage for a showdown that was about to unfold.
The air in the room seemed to pause, captivated by the grandeur of the piano, drawing the attention of everyone present,
including Alyssa and Kate. Vivienne was among the audience, casually enjoying a slice of strawberry cheesecake, casting a
fleeting glance at the spectacle.
Percival took Vivienne's hand, his eyes shimmering with sweetness, "Do you like it? If you fancy it, I can arrange to have an even
better one delivered."
He still vividly remembered how radiant Vivienne looked when she played the piano, outshining even this crystal grand piano!
Vivienne swallowed a bite of her cheesecake, speaking through the mouthful, "It's not about liking it. It's pretty, but my mom
wouldn't use this piano."
Upon hearing this, Percival saw Karen whisper something in Arthur's ear.
Arthur looked momentarily stunned, then gestured for the piano to be removed.
Percival's smile broadened, "A daughter knows her mother best."
Alyssa, noticing the crystal piano being moved away, asked anxiously, "Arthur, wasn't the first round about playing the piano?
Why are you taking it away? I wanted to play." Arthur, visibly annoyed, retorted, "I don't care what you play. That piano was
specifically for my wife! If you want to play, I'll have another one brought up for you."
Tears filled Alyssa's eyes as she pleaded, "Can't you even part with one piano?"
Karen raised an eyebrow, smiling, "It's just a piano, Arthur. Let her have it!" Arthur pursed his lips, "As my wife says!"
Then, Karen added, "I want to play the zither. Just prepare a zither for me."

Yorick, with a soft and friendly smile, chimed in, "I have a zither here, Karen. I'll have the servants fetch it for you. It might not be
as prestigious as this piano, but I hope you won't mind!"