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"?

was serious. A sleepwalking "War God" could spell

to take 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 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

The Perez brothers, "?!"

Vivienne remained expressionless.

bridge of his nose,

atmosphere turned exceedingly

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

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

a "War God" as his son! Jasper wouldn't dream of letting such an opportunity slip through

glanced at Jasper,

transferring households is just a phone call away," Arthur, now

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

ideal for a wedding, but I can't wait any longer. I need to give her

ten billion dollars, ten houses, ten luxury cars, ten plots in Rivenwood suburb, a hundred sets of jewelry, a hundred outfits,

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

Damn!

"War God" was setting the bar

doubling what the "War God" offered, but his finances were tied up in supporting the nation and the

need to turn to Fariana Isle for

dealing with the Grimshaw family's fallout,

Jasper was reeling

even more

Vivienne remained stoic.

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

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