The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Using his cane with a metallic bottom, Oliver smacked it hard against Asher's knee.

Thud!

Already unstable on his feet, Asher crumpled forward, kneeling directly in Jasper's direction!

Asher's eyes widened, full of disbelief.

Oliver, without sparing him a glance, bowed slightly toward Jasper, "Jasper, forgive my lack of guidance. My apologies for the trouble my son has caused. Rest assured, upon our return, I'll discipline him strictly. We've overstayed our welcome today. Should you need anything in the future, do not hesitate to call me. I'll take my leave now so as not to disturb your afternoon respite."

Jasper raised an eyebrow, momentarily unsure of what play Oliver was staging.

Just moments before, Oliver seemed ready to cripple his sons without a second thought, but now he was puffing himself up like an indignant wolf!

But to leave such a mess and just walk away?

passed through Jasper's aged eyes. As Oliver turned to leave, he said calmly, "Hold on. Oliver, your son came here today to provoke the Perez family without a word of reason. I am his elder, and he

what would you propose,

Asher, who was still reeling from Oliver's scolding. Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the Find ɴøᴠel.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in

"You know I'm not in good health. His visit today truly frightened me. I think it's only fair that

Asher finally snapped back to reality. Clenching his teeth, he bellowed at Jasper, losing all semblance of his previously feigned

a veneer of composure, "Jasper, that seems a bit much. Asher is still a Grimshaw. To bow to you... If word gets

this? In consideration of our many years of

Jasper was unimpressed. He snorted with disdain, his head held high, uncompromising, "Don't talk to me about what may or may not be. What good is your favor if you renege on it later? I want his apology today! Oliver, don't talk to me about commanding respect. I am the head of the Perez family, his elder. What's so shameful about bowing and admitting wrong to an elder?

Maddox, covering his ears, felt like he was in the midst

senses, he

he slumped onto Yuri's shoulder, "You see? This explains why Asher had the guts to act so brazenly.

are you talking about, bro? I don't think Mr. Oliver Grimshaw is the type to be hypocritical or sanctimonious. He'll surely handle this fairly. Otherwise, how will we stand among the ancient warrior lineages? People will say the Grimshaw family preys on the weak. As a venerable member of the ancient warrior lineages, not only do they not protect weaker families, but they also attempt to seize their secrets. How will they face the

by tomorrow, the entire ancient warrior lineage would hear of the Grimshaw family's bullying. Flaunting their power, disregarding old

they spread rumors that the Grimshaw family was after other families' secrets. Then, the Grimshaw would become enemies of all ancient warrior lineages. Even those who once considered alliances

especially since Asher's public challenge had already reached other ancient warrior

have traveled all

A liability, that's what his son

Cursing in his heart, wishing he could kick Asher if not for the circumstances, Oliver thought, "How did I end up with such

seclusion, I still hold some regard for your father. So, today's events were indeed due to Asher's recklessness. It's

laced with contempt, "You good-for-nothing, what are you

"Dad!"