The Million-Dollar Heart

Guests had yet to lay eyes on Karen's calligraphy when Roger, the cheeky old man, made a swift exit, fearing someone might
snatch the masterpiece from him. The crowd called after him, "Roger, let us have a look before you dash off!" But Roger wasn't
having any of it. He hadn't paid a dime for it. What if someone offered a higher bid after just one glance?
The crowd: Such a renowned artist, and yet so petty!
Karen just laughed it off, unbothered, as a glare of pure jealousy shot her way. Turning towards the source of the glare, her lips
curled into a smile, charming and alluring.
Alyssa's once bustling exhibit of calligraphy was now deserted. Some guests wore expressions of regret; even the gentleman
who had made an offer was eager to see Karen's work. A rage uncontained shimmered in her eyes. She couldn't accept this
reality. She was supposed to be the star of the show, confident of victory, yet she lost!
She was Alyssa Wright of Rivenwood, raised in a family that valued arts and culture, praised for her intelligence and diligence by
her tutors. She was no amateur. How could Karen surpass her!
Kate stopped reading the live stream comments, wishing she could smash her phone. Had she known the outcome would be
this, she would have never suggested a live vote. The embarrassment wasn't just on Alyssa but also on the entire Wright family
of Rivenwood!
After three rounds, Karen, parched and tired, took a sip from her glass of water, savoring it, "What a refreshing drink!" She
approached Alyssa, chin slightly lifted, looking down at her, "Are you still up for the challenge?"
Alyssa's hands trembled, her gaze sharp, her face flushed, "So what if you won the first three rounds? Are you asking this to
humiliate me?"
Karen poured herself another glass of water, blowing away the bubbles before taking a sip, "I was just asking, why do you have
to overthink it,"
Alyssa's eyes welled up, feigning pity. She aimed to portray Karen as arrogant and disrespectful in front of a national audience.
Comments started to turn against Karen, with some viewers sympathizing with Alyssa, while others criticized her for being
manipulative.
Karen's image took a hit, with only a few standing by her side.

For the final round, painting, the guests suggested placing two canvases in the center stage to avoid previous issues and to
witness the painting process of both parties. This time, all eyes were on Karen She stood before her canvas, a picture of
elegance, as if she had stepped out of a classic painting. Holding a brush, she chose to paint with colors directly, laying down a
base of light colors. Using white, she delicately painted petals that
seemed to dance on the canvas.
Curious, some guests went over to Alyssa's side. Alyssa, determined not to be outdone again, chose a grand ink painting, aiming
to overshadow Karen's work. As she worked her brush, creating majestic mountains, more and more guests were drawn to her
canvas.
Karen's audience was sparse, but those who stayed were captivated, watching her every move in silence.
As time passed, Alyssa's landscape painting was praised for its grandeur and depth, a rare talent in conveying the essence of
nature. Alyssa, smiling sweetly, suggested everyone take a look at Karen's painting as well.
Approaching Karen's canvas, they
discovered a stunning depiction of jasmine flowers, so lifelike and full of depth, it was as if they could smell the fragrance.
Karen's work, simple yet profound, captured the essence of the scene with a few strokes. The onlookers were in awe, "Such an
immersion into the painting, a truly remarkable piece."
Alyssa, facing Karen's masterpiece, was in disbelief, whispering to herself that it couldn't be possible. Kate, filled with regret,
clenched her fist tightly, drawing blood.
Karen approached Kate, her presence overwhelming. Kate avoided her gaze, unable to face Karen. Karen, radiant, addressed
Kate, "About that live vote we talked about, it's time to make good on that promise, isn't it?"
Kate scoffed, "It's just a family gathering, no need to make a scene. Let's skip the voting, shall we?"
Before Karen could respond, Arthur, unable to hold back his anger, intervened, "No vote? Who do you think you are? You dare to
trouble my wife and then refuse to accept defeat? This competition will be decided by a live vote, and I'll make sure of it.
Someone set up a voting platform now!"
The moment Arthur spoke, Kate

might as well have been invisible, shrinking back like a scolded puppy silent. Alyssa's tears streamed down her face
uncontrollably, her lips trembling in disbelief at Arthur's heartlessness. He had stripped her of her dignity in front of everyone,
without a shred of consideration.
Anguish and fury burned in her gaze as she looked at Karen, wishing she could tear her apart. This brief encounter was
broadcasted in high definition and slow motion by Percival to the viewers of his live stream, unbeknownst to Kate.
Vivienne, not missing a beat, pulled up surveillance footage of Alyssa provoking Karen on her laptop. With her phone in hand,
she logged into her verified Twitter account and posted the video with a caption that could stir any drama enthusiast: "Alyssa
thinks she's a match for Arthur? Watch Karen take her down."