The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne)
Chapter 876

Arthur and Karen, feeling out of place at the bustling garden party filled with high society's finest, decided to slip away for some air in the quieter parts of his vast family estate.

"You just got back, and you can't even give me a hug before ditching me?" Arthur feigned hurt, his deep voice laced with mock indignation.

Karen couldn't help but chuckle, comforting her man with a heart full of affection, "How can I resist when I love you so much? I'll have to endure."

As she gently ruffled Arthur's hair, it felt like petting a big, friendly dog.

Arthur, cheered by her words, suggested with a softer tone, "If it's too hot out here, how about we cool off with a swim? I've just had a pool added behind the house. What do you think?"

Karen blinked, sensing a hint of mischief in his suggestion, her lips parting slightly to respond...

"Arthur!" Alyssa called out elegantly as she approached, with Kate following in a flowing violet dress. Karen hadn't even opened her mouth when Alyssa intercepted, a flush of embarrassment coloring her cheeks as she faced Arthur, "I just stepped out of the ballroom for some fresh air and, turning the corner, was so thrilled to see you here. With our history, I just forgot to greet you properly... How awkward of me."

Clutching the hem of her white dress, Alyssa's discomfort was palpable.

The reality was, Alyssa and Kate had almost scoured the entire Linklater property before replaceing Arthur, arriving with a sheen of perspiration from their search.

Kate, picking up on Alyssa's embarrassment, also turned away, "Running into this situation in broad daylight, how terribly awkward."

With two mentions of awkwardness, Karen lifted her chin slightly, her lips curling in a gentle smile, "I thought some young lady had wandered in by mistake. But seeing as we're about the same age, there's no need for awkwardness. Since you know my husband, please, take a seat. There are two chairs right over there."

Her gesture was effortless, embodying the grace of a gracious hostess.

Arthur's brow furrowed, slightly annoyed that their peaceful moment was disturbed, "What's there to be awkward about? We're all adults here. A little display of affection shouldn't make anyone squirm." Alyssa's face stiffened, her nails digging into her palms. She hadn't expected Arthur to highlight her age, given the lengths she went to maintain her youth with premium skincare and regular visits to the best beauty clinics. Her, old? Karen's few words had effortlessly sown discord in her long-standing relationship with Arthur.

Arthur, puzzled by the mention of a long-standing relationship, thought, "Where's all this coming from? My life's been on the battlefield. What years-long relationship are we talking about?"

Kate, too, was irked but what could she say? Even if she was younger than Karen, it wasn't by much. From the moment she walked in, Kate had scrutinized Karen, replaceing her even more beautiful and well- preserved despite her travels and having a daughter. It was infuriating.

Reluctantly, the two women settled into the armchairs provided.

Alyssa, trying to regain her composure, smiled sweetly at Arthur, "It's been a while, Arthur. You look even more dashing now. Your victories on the battlefield are the talk of the town." Arthur responded noncommittally, hardly impressed by a compliment he'd heard a thousand times before.

The conversation turned awkward as Kate mentioned Alyssa's undying affection for Arthur, hinting at their childhood connection. Arthur, however, showed little interest, his thoughts wandering off to sleep. Karen, on the other hand, listened with amusement, snuggled comfortably in Arthur's embrace, her eyes sparkling with interest.

Kate, unable to contain her disdain, directly addressed Karen, "You might have some beauty, but Alyssa here is a Wright from Rivenwood-a significant step above anything the Linklater family could match." Alyssa, wearing a smile of feigned modesty, added with a hint of provocation, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Karen. I didn't mean to overlook you. It's just that, with my background, I'm slightly more suited to someone of Arthur's stature, despite not having the same resources as the Linklater family."

Karen, unfazed, responded with a radiant smile, "Oh, is that so? And here I thought we were all just people, not titles or estates."

The air thickened with tension, Alyssa's pride clashing with Karen's simplicity, a stark reminder of the complex web of social standings and unspoken rules that governed their world.

Alyssa declared with unbridled confidence, "Obviously, it should be me, Alyssa. I'm the only match for him! He's the Veridia War God, not just anyone can stand by his side. But I've been waiting for him all along. I have more right to be his wife. Besides, I excel in music, art, literature, and chess. In terms of education, family background, and devotion, how am I not superior to you?"

Kate's eyes shimmered with smugness. "Did you hear that? In what way are you better than Alyssa? If Alyssa becomes the War God's wife, she would be his greatest support, a beauty with brains! Do you dare to compete with Alyssa in music, art, literature, and chess?"

Arthur radiated a chilling aura, his heart pounding with anger. "Match for him? As if!"

"Who I marry is none of your business!"

"My Karen is the best match in the world!"

"And how dare you say you're better than my wife? I doubt you could even hold a candle to her!"

"Beat Karen, then come back and talk nonsense!"

He was about to put this woman in her place when Karen stepped forward with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "We can have a competition if you want. But as for who marries him, that's not for you to decide. I do. Even if you were to win today-which you won't-the decision is still mine to make. Arthur can only marry me, no matter what!"