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"?

A sleepwalking

"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 son. If you wish, I'll even change my

The Perez brothers, "?!"

Vivienne remained expressionless.

bridge of his nose,

atmosphere turned

finally managed, "This is big news! Think it

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

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

at

for that hassle. With 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 I have something

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

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 them. I've set the wedding

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 of jewelry, a hundred outfits,

dowry, we won't need one. Whatever she wants,

Damn!

setting the bar high. How could he

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

turn to Fariana

the Grimshaw

reeling from

having heard something even more shocking than Arthur adopting Jasper

Vivienne remained stoic.

household, Yorick was having a

the Perez family's dumbfounded 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. With me here, no one