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?"

Jasper "Dad"? Was he

serious. A sleepwalking "War God" could spell

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!

The Perez brothers, "?!"

Vivienne remained expressionless.

pinched the bridge of his nose,

atmosphere turned exceedingly

managed, "This is big news! Think it

off, "If you're sure, we can

wouldn't dream of letting

glanced at Jasper,

With all I've done for the country, changing my name and transferring households is just a phone call away," Arthur, now beaming, said, "Since you've accepted me as

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

over twenty 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

worry about the dowry; I'm offering ten billion dollars, ten houses, ten luxury cars, ten plots in Rivenwood suburb, a hundred

dowry, we won't need one. Whatever she wants,

Damn!

"War God" was setting the bar

offered, but his finances were tied up in supporting

need to turn to Fariana Isle for a

the Grimshaw

reeling from Arthur's

Luke were stunned, having heard something even more shocking than Arthur adopting Jasper as his

Vivienne remained stoic.

at the Linklater household, Yorick was having a breakdown in

for arriving late and for all the hardships