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"? Was he

serious. A sleepwalking "War God" could

'Dad'?" "While I'd love to have a 'War God' for a son, I'm not about to steal someone

The Perez brothers, "?!"

Vivienne remained expressionless.

pinched the bridge of

atmosphere turned

pause, Jasper finally managed, "This

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

his son! Jasper wouldn't dream

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,

the joy of gaining a "War God" son, was

I mean, Karen, a wedding for 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 and our daughter their due recognition. They've suffered

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 suburb, a hundred sets of jewelry, a hundred outfits, and I'm even willing to take your family

won't need one. Whatever she wants, I'll provide." Percival,

Damn!

God" was setting the bar high. How

what the "War God" offered, but his finances were tied up in

need to turn to Fariana

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

was reeling from

were stunned, having heard something even

Vivienne remained stoic.

household, Yorick was having a breakdown in

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 will dare