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

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

The Perez brothers, "?!"

Vivienne remained expressionless.

bridge of his

atmosphere turned exceedingly

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

"If you're sure, we can head to the courthouse now

son! Jasper wouldn't dream of letting such an opportunity slip through his

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 you've

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

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 because of my absence, and I want to

"Originally, I wanted it 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

the bride's dowry, we won't need

Damn!

"War God" was setting the bar high.

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

to Fariana Isle for a

with the Grimshaw

was reeling

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

Vivienne remained stoic.

at the Linklater household, Yorick was having

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