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.

informed, sir. The lord was beside himself

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

worry, I had a lot of fun with Auntie Karen. We saw fireflies...

exchanged puzzled glances but were relieved to see him unharmed and happy. They quickly reported back to the

"Thank you for looking after our young master. We'd be in a world of trouble

needed. It's late;

waved goodbye, "Auntie

back, her

Karen took the stage. "Thank you 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

the future matriarch of the Linklater family. A perfect match for the War God himself, though I wonder

laughter

pride in his eyes, announced, "Karen is the chosen partner for Arthur and an esteemed member

under him at the Vanguard Agency, emphasizing

"Karen is my biological daughter, Sasha Perez! Lost to us years ago, but now she's home. From

that a woman of such caliber needed no family name to