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"?

A sleepwalking "War

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 a son. If you wish, I'll even change my last name to South!

The Perez brothers, "?!"

Vivienne remained expressionless.

the bridge of his nose,

atmosphere turned exceedingly

finally managed, "This is big news!

him off, "If you're sure, we can head to the courthouse now to change your

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

at

for that hassle. 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

gaining a "War God" son, was

any longer. I need to give her and

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

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

Damn!

God" was setting the bar

doubling what the "War God" offered, but his finances were

turn to Fariana

the Grimshaw family's fallout,

was reeling from Arthur's

were stunned, having heard something even more shocking than Arthur

Vivienne remained stoic.

at the Linklater household, Yorick was

dumbfounded expressions, turned to Vivienne, "My daughter, I'm sorry for arriving late and for all the hardships you