The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Seeing Jasper looking glum, Zelda could not help but offer some words of comfort. “Dad, I know each child is dear to you, just like Natalia and Yasmine. I always try to be fair, too. But respect is earned. Diana hasn’t even apologized to Vivienne yet. Instead, she’s playing the victim. How can we not complain?

Besides, you’ve been nothing but good to Diana over the years. Whatever others have, she has too, and often more. It’s her own lack of gratitude that’s the problem.”

Jasper knew in his heart that Zelda was not one to make a fuss. Raised in the affluent Lynette family, she was not inclined to pettiness or suspicion.

Her words now were a sign of genuine anger and disappointment towards Diana.

“Alas, Diana’s temperament isn’t as adaptable as the others. She only had Willa to play with when she was little, and Willa was quite the ice queen herself. If Sasha were around, Diana might not have turned out so reclusive…” Jasper made a feeble excuse, but it was enough for the moment.

Zelda gave a wry smile, saying nothing more. She knew all too well that a father’s heart always aches for his daughters.

Just then, Natalia and Yasmine came running in, laughing out loud. “Grandpa, Vivienne’s here!”

At the mention of Vivienne, Jasper sprang from his recliner and hurried to welcome her.

Zelda shook her head in mild exasperation. “Dad, slow down. Vivienne keeps telling you to take it easy.”

Jasper usually took Vivienne’s words as gospel, but now, eager to greet her, he cast caution to the wind.

“Vivienne, have you eaten yet? I thought you were not coming until tomorrow. I haven’t prepared anything special,” Jasper chatted affectionately with Vivienne.

Vivienne stayed by Jasper’s side all day, from morning till night, joining them for all three meals.

The Perez family was overjoyed. Vivienne’s visits were usually brief, just long enough for a meal, but today, it felt like she had truly come home.

After dinner, Vivienne joined Jasper for a game of chess in the yard.

“Grandpa, have you heard of Noah?” Vivienne inquired.

paused, “Noah? Yorick’s

nodded. “That’s him. Do you

of an oddball. We don’t play along… I mean, we

chuckled. She was well aware of Jasper’s

Vanguard Agency were trained by him.

was eager to climb the ranks, Noah never chased power. He would decline promotions, saying he preferred to be on the

looked up, a flicker of doubt in her eyes as she asked, “He’s interested

ancient warrior lineages

and said, “So he fought to protect Vance because they share

shaking his head slightly. “He wants the ancient warrior lineages to take charge, not like Vance, who wants

part of the ancient warrior lineage, so why would he want

with Noah. All I know is that he stayed on the front lines before being

two factions within

defense and included families

the Vanguard Agency special squad, like Vance and Micah, who also provided financial support for the defense

coexisted for years, each holding sway and influencing major decisions. They

explained why Jasper could decide on Percival’s position and why

bring up Noah?” Jasper

a piece on the board, “Nothing much, Grandpa. You’ve

he had been distracted by the conversation. He looked down at the

pieces beside him,

grabbed the bowl. “Grandpa, no cheating! You promised me you’d go to bed. What kind of old man stays up late watching cartoons

at Yuri, who was busy entertaining the kids. With a mischievous smirk, he picked up a nearby glass of water and lobbed it towards Yuri’s

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