The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne's back stiffened, her usually delicate face now as dark as a thundercloud, pitch black and stormy.

Percival barely suppressed a smirk.

When had the so-called "War God" become such a fool?

Arthur: "Hey, kid, watch your mouth. I am your future father-in-law. Be careful, or I might not let her marry you!"

Percival: "Do you really think you hold that much sway in my lady's heart?"

Arthur: ...

Stabbed in the heart!

Jasper, on the other hand, didn't catch the tension between Vivienne and Percival. He was distracted by an almost maniacal voice growing louder outside, approaching rapidly.

"When did Arthur arrive? What's he doing here?" Jasper wondered aloud.

The Perez and the Linklater families were acquaintances, but barely interacted.

Their most significant connection was through Yorick, who had a slight acquaintance with a few of the Perez sons. Arthur, known far and wide for his military exploits as the "War God" of Veridia, was respected by the Perez family, though they rarely saw him, given his duties.

"Why has Arthur come to the Perez household now? And in such a hurry?" Jasper pondered.

As Jasper stood there, puzzled, Arthur approached, hands clasped in apology, "Dad! Sorry I'm late! I'll make it up to the family, I promise!"

Jasper, "?!"

Maddox, Yuri, and Luke Perez emerged, equally baffled. "What's going on?"

"Dad"? Was

A sleepwalking "War God" could spell

to regain composure. "Uh, Arthur, did you forget to take your meds today... Ahem, I mean, what's gotten into you, calling me 'Dad'?" "While I'd love to have a 'War God' for a son, I'm not about to steal someone else's, especially not my daughter's mentor's son. That's completely off-limits!" Arthur, dead serious, offered, "Dad, a son-in-law is as good as a son. If you wish, I'll even change my last name to South! I'll be

The Perez brothers, "?!"

Vivienne remained expressionless.

bridge of his

atmosphere turned

"This is big news!

when Jasper cut him off, "If you're sure, we can head to the

his son! Jasper wouldn't dream of letting

at

changing my name and transferring households is just a phone call away," Arthur, now beaming, said, "Since you've accepted

ahead!" Jasper, basking in the joy of gaining a "War God" son, was unprepared

years. It's time to make it right. She's still unconscious, which isn't ideal for a wedding, but I can't wait any longer. I need to give her and our daughter their due recognition. They've suffered because of my absence, and I want to make it up to them. I've set

sooner, but the soothsayer advised against it. Ten days from now is auspicious for marriage. Don't worry about the dowry; I'm offering ten billion dollars, ten houses, ten luxury cars, ten plots in Rivenwood

the bride's dowry, we won't need one. Whatever she wants, I'll

Damn!

God" was setting the bar high. How

but his

to turn to Fariana Isle for a quick

and Thomas, dealing with the Grimshaw family's fallout, sensed

Jasper was reeling

something even more shocking than

Vivienne remained stoic.

Yorick was having a breakdown in

the Perez family's dumbfounded expressions, turned to Vivienne, "My daughter, I'm sorry for arriving late and for all the hardships you and your mother have endured. Forgive me. With me here, no one