The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Danielle twirled around in the garden, his face illuminated by the soft glow of the moonlight. He reached out his hands, trying to catch the light, a big grin spreading across his face.

Karen and Arthur, from a little distance away, watched the scene unfold with tender smiles. Seeing Danielle so happy warmed their hearts.

As the evening drew to a close and the fireflies began to dwindle, a tired Danielle wobbled over to Karen, his little legs barely keeping up. In his sweet, childlike voice, he reached out his hands and said, "Auntie Karen, uppy please?"

Karen's heart melted at the request, vivid memories of her own daughter, Vivienne, asking for the same thing when she was younger. With a gentle smile, she scooped Danielle into her arms. "It's getting late, sweetie. Your family is waiting in the hall. The fireflies have all gone to bed; maybe we should too."

Danielle's soft hands gently touched Karen's face. "Thank you, Auntie Karen, for showing me the fireflies. Can we play together again?"

How could Karen resist such a request? "Of course, but it's past your bedtime. You need to get some sleep so you can grow big and strong. Otherwise, you won't be able to hold even a small shovel!" Danielle nodded obediently, his admiration for Karen evident.

Upon entering the hall, Karen was greeted by two of the Wright family's staff, who were visibly relieved to see Danielle safe and sound.

"Master Danielle, you had us worried sick wandering off like that," one of them scolded gently.

have been informed, sir. The lord was beside himself

I'll leave you in their good hands. Don't make your family

staff, "Don't worry, I had a lot

and happy. They quickly

"Thank you for looking after our young master. We'd be

thanks needed. It's

they left, Danielle waved goodbye, "Auntie Karen, I'll

waved back,

all for joining us at my daughter's coming-of-age celebration. It's been a memorable day. With that, our evening comes to a close." Dressed

the Linklater family. A perfect match for the War God himself, though I wonder who would win if they ever

the laughter and

the chosen partner for Arthur and an esteemed member

at the Vanguard Agency, emphasizing her merits over her

"Karen is my biological daughter, Sasha Perez! Lost to us years

awe, realizing that a woman of such caliber needed no family name to stand out. Yet, the revelation of