The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Percival Ellington stared at his phone for a moment before slipping it back into his pocket, his brow furrowed in confusion.

What now?

Just as he was about to stop Vivienne Hawthorn from pouring another glass of whiskey, a commotion erupted at the front door. "Our boss says Arthur Linklater and dogs are not welcome here!" announced the doorman, who doubled as a security guard. Arthur's indomitable voice followed, "Think you can stop me with that scrawny frame?"

The security guard hesitated, "... I can't stop you, but that doesn't mean I'll let you in!"

Arthur snorted and made his way inside. The other guards quickly formed a circle around Arthur, attempting to block his entry.

Arthur signaled to Shane and Dante behind him. Understanding the cue, they stepped forward; each grabbed a couple of guards in a friendly manner, "Fellas, let's go have a chat about life. No need to make this hard on yourselves."

With only four guards at the door, they found themselves unable to break free from Shane and Dante's grip, exchanging bewildered looks.

How is this happening?

They were accomplished in martial arts, yet they couldn't move an inch in these two's hold?

While they were still in shock, Shane and Dante dragged them aside.

The guards could only watch as Arthur entered the Perez Manor, with one shouting in vain, "Hey! You can't go in there!"

Before he could finish, Shane lit a cigarette and casually placed it in the guard's mouth.

Arthur, as if he owned the place, made his way into the Perez family's gathering. Noticing they were still drinking, he nonchalantly sat down, dropping his backpack under the chair, and announced, "Hey, Dad, you're eating? Good, I haven't had dinner yet."

Jasper's face turned as dark as thunder, "How thick is your skin?"

Arthur grabbed a chicken leg, took a bite, and replied, "Thick as a castle wall!"

Jasper was speechless.

Maddox Perez, observing Arthur's brazen demeanor, slammed his fist on the table, fuming, "Arthur, are you blind? Didn't you see the banner at the door? It clearly states, 'Arthur and dogs not allowed!"" The banner was Maddox's doing right before dinner, anticipating Arthur's shameless return to the Perez Manor. He had it put up as a clear message.

as ever, acted as if

downed half

livid, "Hey! I'm

turned to Maddox, "The banner? Oh, I saw

did you still come in? Where's your

why should I care about what's written on that banner?" Arthur declared as if it was the most

"Have you

backpack and handed it to Maddox, "I've changed my name. Call

out of his head in disbelief,

document, indicating his separation

Maddox was speechless.

simple affair, especially for someone of Arthur's stature, known as the War

Karen if she wants anything from me when she wakes up, even

seasoned War God, yet he deliberately softened his presence, hoping to

to the Perez

was at

his daughter to Arthur. But Arthur was dead serious,

he

emptied ten

she watched Arthur with eyes full of mischief and a

looked back and forth

at a loss, and the dining room, once filled with laughter, fell into an awkward

"Bang!"

that, Vivienne slammed her hand on the table, standing up with a fierce

no one moved, Vivienne slapped the table again, her

reigned at the

Percival and whispering, "What's with Vivienne? She seems... off?" Percival was

wine just fine, what's with the sudden

it hit him, Jerry Perez's