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.

acted as if he hadn't seen

front of her, Arthur casually grabbed one, popped it open, and downed half in one go, laughing heartily, "Ah, that's refreshing! It's been ages since I had

ignored, was livid, "Hey! I'm

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

you still come in? Where's your shame?"

no longer a Linklater, so why should I care about what's written on that banner?" Arthur declared as if it was the most natural thing in the

was flabbergasted, "Have you

out a red document from his backpack and handed it

the document, his eyes nearly popping out of his head in disbelief,

indicating his separation from the Yorick

Maddox was speechless.

name wasn't a simple affair, especially for someone of Arthur's stature, known as the War God. It would

give my word, it'szas solid as iron. If Karen if she wants anything from me when she wakes up, even my life for all the pain I've caused her, I won't hesitate. But until

seasoned War God, yet he

to the Perez

was at a

Arthur. But Arthur was dead

could he possibly

on Arthur, completely missing Vivienne, who had emptied ten bottles

on one hand, she watched Arthur with eyes full of mischief and a

the document, looked back and forth between

and the dining room, once filled with

"Bang!"

her hand on the table, standing up with

moved, Vivienne slapped the table again, her voice harsh, "I said,

at the dinner

was the first to snap out of it, leaning to Percival and whispering, "What's

just fine, what's

him, Jerry Perez's