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

was serious. A sleepwalking

about to steal someone else's, especially not my daughter's mentor's son.

The Perez brothers, "?!"

Vivienne remained expressionless.

the bridge of his

turned exceedingly

"This is big news! Think

you're sure, we can head to the courthouse

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

at

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 accepted me as your son

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

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 due recognition. They've suffered because of my absence, and I want to make it up to

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 willing to take your family name if it pleases

for the bride's dowry, we won't need one. Whatever she wants, I'll provide." Percival,

Damn!

God" was setting the bar high. How could

needed to up his game, perhaps doubling what the "War God" offered, but his finances were tied

need to turn to Fariana Isle

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

was reeling

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

Vivienne remained stoic.

back at the Linklater household, Yorick was having a

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