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

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

The Perez brothers, "?!"

Vivienne remained expressionless.

pinched the bridge of his nose,

turned exceedingly

finally managed, "This is big news! Think it

you're

his son! Jasper wouldn't dream

at Jasper,

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

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

owed Winnie... 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

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

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

Damn!

bar high.

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

need to turn to Fariana

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

was reeling

Maddock, and Luke were stunned, having heard something even

Vivienne remained stoic.

Linklater household, Yorick was having a

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