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"?

serious. A sleepwalking "War God" could

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

The Perez brothers, "?!"

Vivienne remained expressionless.

the bridge of

atmosphere turned

managed, "This is

cut him off, "If you're sure, we can head to

"War God" as his son! Jasper wouldn't dream of letting such

glanced at Jasper,

is just a phone call away," Arthur, now beaming, said, "Since you've accepted me as your son

basking in the joy of gaining a "War God" son, was unprepared

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 our daughter their

marriage. Don't worry about the dowry; I'm offering ten billion dollars, ten houses, ten luxury cars,

the bride's dowry, we won't need one.

Damn!

"War God" was setting the bar high. How could he compete

offered, but his finances were tied up in

might need to turn to Fariana Isle for

the Grimshaw family's fallout, sensed

Jasper was reeling

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

Vivienne remained stoic.

at the Linklater household, Yorick was having a breakdown in the

expressions, turned to Vivienne, "My daughter, I'm sorry for arriving late and for all the hardships you and your mother have endured. Forgive me.