The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Karen sat in front of her vanity mirror, draped in an ivory gown that complemented her flawless, pale skin, which was flushed with a hint of rose. Her lips were thin as petals, and she looked radiant and captivating.

Arthur stood behind her, his gaze filled with love. "Karen, you're stunning, the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, with Vivienne a close second. Now, everyone will know that I, Arthur, am a taken man!" Karen laughed softly. "Oh, stop it with your sweet talk, or Vivienne might just not forgive you! Let's see how you'll cope without our darling daughter's attention!"

Arthur leaned in and kissed Karen. "Then it'll be our little secret, and she won't have to know. Besides, Vivienne isn't one to hold a grudge!"

Just then, Percival walked in with Vivienne. Karen's eyes sparkled with admiration. "Look at my darling daughter, inheriting all my best traits. But this style doesn't seem like something you'd pick out!" Vivienne's delicate features tightened slightly. "Mom, are you questioning my taste?"

Karen's face lit up with a bright smile. "How's your arm, dear? Still hurting?" sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ (F)indNƟvᴇl.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

There was a hint of regret in Karen's heart; worrying over her daughter was inevitable.

Vivienne shook her head, her lips curving slightly. "All healed. Don't you trust your own skills?"

"Alright, no need to be so cheeky," Karen tapped Vivienne on the head playfully.

Yorick approached with a smile. "Let's head to the front; everyone's arrived. Jasper's been nagging me about it."

Jasper had reserved the first table for the Perez family, taking a seat of honor.

Yorick took the stage, his strong hands formally introducing Vivienne. "Thank you all for joining the Linklater family's reunion. Today, I'm proud to introduce my granddaughter, Vivienne."

Vivienne nodded gracefully to the audience, who responded with thunderous applause.

looks twenty years

grandparents

his granddaughter is more beautiful than

and light-hearted banter filled the

a look at Vivienne and my grandson's marriage certificate! They're already married,

thinking, as if anyone could compete with such a

wedding we'll invite them to, but

sitting at another table, couldn't stop smiling, feeling slightly threatened. "We need to make sure Vivienne spends time with the Perez family too. Come on, uncles, show some spirit.

"Vivienne is back with the Linklater family, our treasured granddaughter. Some folks better

retorted silently, "Who says I won't steal

in, "Count me

bridge of her nose, clearly

from the audience made Vivienne's expression turn cold. As she scanned the room, the intrusive gaze

trying to blend in with the murmuring crowd, whispered softly, "Vivienne seems displeased. When I glanced at her, her

Yorick throwing her a reunion party, and she can't even crack a smile. You'd think the Linklater family owed her something.

"Karen's background is a mystery. It's tough

around with a child, flirting left and right. You should've

conflicted

shoulder. "Yorick's old. He wants a granddaughter around. But remember, when the Linklater family has a grandson, Vivienne's status

"Let's