The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chase originally had a face like he was heading to his own execution, but now he was desperately trying to smile, practically thrusting a few sheets of paper at Arthur with both hands, reminiscent of a medieval jester without the cap, holding out a jest for his lord's amusement. "Arthur, this is the result of days and nights of brainstorming, pouring our hearts and souls into figuring out a hundred ways to win back your daughter's heart. Please, take it as a token of our effort to mend fences with your precious girl."

Arthur took the papers, and without a second glance, he playfully kicked Shane in the shin, "Quit dragging your feet on this!"

He then turned his attention to the papers, flipping through them with utmost seriousness.

The first item read: "100 catchy rhymes to charm your kid, they'll love it more with each listen!"

Arthur's face turned thunderous, and he twisted Chase's arms in mock anger, "What's this supposed to mean? My daughter's all grown up, and you give me nursery rhymes? You must be joking!" "Arthur, hear me out," Chase hurriedly explained, "You said you've missed out on Vivienne's childhood, right? She still holds that against you. It's about making up for lost time now, showing her you're always there for her, even when you physically can't be."

Arthur paused, considering, then asked skeptically, "And what does that have to do with these rhymes?"

"Boss, just give one a try. These aren't your average nursery rhymes. You'll see the magic once you read through," Dante interjected, unable to watch Chase suffer any longer.

Arthur sighed deeply, giving them a look, then began, "My daughter, my pride, my joy, and my guide, missed your childhood, by my side, Vivienne, Vivienne, don't you fret, you're the treasure in my net. From battles to home, I've always roamed, earning riches to adorn your dome. Vivienne, Vivienne, you're my ace, in my heart, you've got a special place. Whoosh-whoosh-whoosh, whoosh-whoosh-whoosh, Vivienne, come home, let's push, soaring high like an eagle in flight, with you, my world is bright."

Arthur felt odd reciting a rhyme, an unfamiliar territory indeed.

Chase was trying hard not to laugh, his face turning beetroot red. The original rhyme was his brainchild, now humorously altered by Dante right before they presented it.

Dante shot Chase a warning glare, the message clear: keep it together, or face the consequences.

grateful look towards Dante, thankful that the original line about "turning into a big old hog, carrying Vivienne

turned sharp,

of Arthur's stare, coughed lightly, "Boss, it's not that

still in Arthur's grip, pleaded, "Boss, girls love a sense of humor, and who wouldn't want a

took over. "I didn't put much feeling into it just now. I'll practice it a bit more and find the right moment to share

my hand before it breaks. I'll record the best take, and we can

in, Arthur was holding the sheets, while Chase

joy, following Vivienne closely, "My darling girl, if only

always sticking close to Vivienne, leaving no room for father-daughter moments. Percival,

indifferent, remarked, "I'm here for my

Arthur's spirits dampened

i.net

so much. It's my loss, not knowing about my own daughter. You have every right to be upset, but I won't give up trying

a rehearsed

was cut off as Arthur eagerly interjected, "I've got

make up for

Vivienne was speechless.

here

at his friend for musical