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"?

sleepwalking

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

The Perez brothers, "?!"

Vivienne remained expressionless.

pinched the bridge of his

turned exceedingly

managed, "This is big news! Think

was about to respond when Jasper cut him off, "If you're sure, we can head to the courthouse now

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

glanced at Jasper,

the country, changing my name and transferring households is just a phone call

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

can't wait any longer. I need to give her and our daughter their due recognition. They've suffered

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

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

Damn!

the bar high. How

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

might need to turn to Fariana Isle for a quick

the Grimshaw

Jasper was reeling from

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

Vivienne remained stoic.

Yorick

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