The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Arthur's face was alight with unbridled joy and triumphant pride as he swept Karen off her feet, spinning her around in a celebratory swirl. Karen, far from shy, boldly wrapped her arms around Arthur's neck and planted a big kiss on his cheek, showing none of the reserve you might expect from someone in their forties. They were as smitten as any pair of young lovers.

"Take it easy, love. This is just the start. Wait until I win this shining and bright, and she'll be crying out, begging to call me Mrs. Linklater!" Karen declared with fiery confidence, playfully lifting Arthur's chin. Arthur, blushing yet bold, managed to shout out, "Babe, you're amazing! Absolutely smashing!"

Percival captured every moment live, his face beaming with amusement as he glanced over at Vivienne. Vivienne merely glanced their way before quickly looking away. She supported Karen and Arthur's union, but that didn't mean she wanted to watch their public displays of affection.

The live chat exploded with comments.

"OMG, I can't handle this cuteness!"

"Love in the twilight years, and Arthur's just a big softie!"

"Hearts, hearts, hearts!"

Alyssa's nails dug into her palms, green with envy at their affection, seething with jealousy. Kate shot Karen a glare, comforting Alyssa, "Don't let it get to you, Alyssa. The competition's hardly begun. We haven't even gotten to the literature and art challenges. She won't be gloating for long."

"I suspect she cheated with that piano performance. Probably had the instrument rigged."

Alyssa's eyes narrowed with suspicion. "Exactly, Yorick must have given her a grand piano to save the Linklater family from embarrassment. That's the only reason she could've beaten me."

each other at the Go board, Karen with the black stones, Alyssa with the

countered, but with each move,

you playing?

you're already upset?" Karen teased, her eyes twinkling

could lose to you. Just you wait!" Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the Find ɴøᴠel.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ

off, Karen called out nonchalantly, "Well, I'm just a

was stunned.

say you're a 10-dan like it's supposed to impress us? Think

to me," Karen quipped, barely containing

wild with speculation

traditional calligraphy tools for Karen and Alyssa. They each had half an hour to complete their

make a comeback, chose a complex piece to emulate. Karen, poised

their work. He praised Alyssa's effort but noted areas for improvement. Karen's work, however, was met with awe and

me your piece? I'd pay handsomely," a guest offered, impressed by Alyssa's skill but clearly more taken with the mastery behind Karen's

to mask

disappointment with grace, offered

piece as a

was clear, even amidst the