The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Karen chuckled softly, squeezing Vivienne’s hand before pushing open the grand oak gate of the Perez Mansion.

As the door swung open, Karen’s gaze fell upon an elderly figure leaning on a cane, clad in a smart tweed suit reminiscent of a bygone era. Tears brimmed in his eyes as he stood there, looking out as if in disbelief.

With the door now ajar, he stumbled forward a couple of steps, his body trembling, pausing as if unsure whether to believe this was all real.

It had been over thirty years. His little treasure, who had barely reached his waistline back then, was now a mother herself.

Karen stepped forward, stopping a yard away from Jasper, feeling the gulf of years between them – not a chasm of estrangement, but one of deep regret.

Thankfully, all was not lost; she had returned.

With a thud, Karen knelt on the ground, bowing her head deeply before Jasper.

“Dad, Sasha’s come back.”

Jasper could no longer contain himself. He hurried forward, his cane discarded, hunching over as he helped his daughter to her feet.

Slowly, his wrinkled hands reached out, caressing Karen’s face gently as if afraid of inflicting any pain upon his cherished daughter.

Every contour of her face, every familiar line and curve, he touched as if reacquainting himself with a long-lost treasure.

“Sasha, my Sasha, oh, my Sasha…”

With a choked sob, Jasper pulled Karen into a tight embrace. “My precious girl.”

Meanwhile, Zelda had already sought refuge in Yuri’s arms, sobbing uncontrollably, and even the usually nonchalant Maddox was crouched on the ground, wiping away tears.

Vivienne stood at the threshold, unwilling to intrude on the heartfelt reunion.

Jasper and Karen held each other for what seemed like an eternity before they finally composed themselves.

Karen, ever the comforter, gently reminded Jasper, “Dad, tomorrow is the ninth of the month. Let’s go inside. And remember, no leaving the house tomorrow.”

– it dawned on him that Vesper, who had

been through so much hardship. Do

the ordeal unfold through

nearly rallied a posse to storm over, but Maddox and Yuri had managed to restrain him just

had nearly sent him through the screen, but a timely signal

trailing behind, tried to

how could Jasper let her

you’re no less of a worry! Always giving your grandfather

blame my mom. She’s been ‘dead’ for so many years. If I hadn’t given her this little scare today, she’d still be

girl, no wonder your master always speaks ill of you!” Karen shot back, though her eyes were devoid of any

remembered. “Sasha, how on earth did you end up with that old

a chair and began to

I was with another family. I met Finnian during school. He said I had a unique talent and wanted to take me on as an apprentice. I went along with it for fun and never officially took the pledge. Eventually, I joined Vanguard Agency and got involved with more advanced work, and my thoughts kept drifting to bionics

“No wonder you sent Vivienne to Emerald Mountain. You were leaving her in your master’s

whiskey as a token of apprenticeship. I was too stingy, so I

joked about her being

even worth a bottle of whiskey! Come

take offense. Instead, she narrowed her eyes at Maddox, replying, “Uncle

as if he had bitten his tongue. He quickly sidled up to Karen, the traces of tears still visible

is she? Is she eating well? Has she lost weight? Is

barrage of questions took Karen aback. Though she had been with Willa all this time, Willa never once

didn’t realize how deep the connection between

glanced at Vivienne, who silently nodded

you suspect – your brother is hopelessly

felt a chill run down his spine and turned to Vivienne, insisting.

Karen. “Sasha, Maddox has been pining over

scare

“That sounds

quick to defend himself. “No way!

regarding Diana. After all, Jasper had treasured her like his own daughter

Diana, Jasper was her steadfast protector, ensuring

mock Diana for being adopted would find Jasper on their doorstep, ready to