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?"

calling Jasper "Dad"?

serious. A sleepwalking "War God" could

first 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

The Perez brothers, "?!"

Vivienne remained expressionless.

pinched the bridge of his nose,

turned exceedingly

pause, Jasper finally managed, "This is big news! Think it through,

about to respond when Jasper cut him off, "If you're sure, we can

"War God" as his son! Jasper wouldn't dream of letting such an

at

the country, changing my name and transferring households is just a

the joy of gaining a "War God" son, was unprepared for Arthur's

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 the wedding

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

the bride's dowry, we won't need

Damn!

bar high. How could he

up his game, perhaps doubling what the "War God" offered, but his finances were tied up in supporting the

to Fariana

with the

Jasper was reeling from Arthur's

stunned, having heard something even more shocking than Arthur adopting

Vivienne remained stoic.

back at the Linklater household, Yorick was having a

and for all the hardships you and your mother have endured. Forgive