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"?

serious. A sleepwalking "War

love to have a 'War God' for a son, I'm not about to steal someone else's, especially not my

The Perez brothers, "?!"

Vivienne remained expressionless.

the bridge of

turned exceedingly

Jasper finally managed, "This is big news! Think

cut him off, "If you're sure, we

Jasper wouldn't dream of letting such an

at Jasper,

households is just a phone call away," Arthur,

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

need to give her and our daughter their due recognition. They've suffered because of my

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 sets

dowry, we won't need

Damn!

"War God" was setting the bar high.

doubling what the "War God" offered, but his

turn to Fariana Isle for a

with the

Jasper was reeling from Arthur's

even more shocking than Arthur adopting

Vivienne remained stoic.

back at the Linklater household, Yorick was having a breakdown

for all the hardships you and your mother have endured. Forgive me. With me here, no one will dare