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

to Zelda Lynette, who had several unopened beer bottles in front of her, Arthur casually grabbed one, popped it open, and downed half

was livid, "Hey!

then turned to

hell did you still come

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

"Have you lost your

a red document from his backpack and handed it

document, his eyes nearly popping out

indicating his separation from the Yorick

Maddox was speechless.

affair, especially for someone of Arthur's stature, known as the War God. It would be a bureaucratic nightmare. Jasper, examining the document and the name

if she wants anything from me when

War God, yet

to the

was at

Arthur. But Arthur was

could he

emptied ten bottles

Arthur with eyes full of mischief and

forth between it and Arthur, struggling to find

at a loss, and the dining room, once filled with

"Bang!"

hand on the table, standing

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

at the dinner

of it, leaning to Percival and whispering, "What's with Vivienne? She seems... off?" Percival

just fine, what's with the

it hit him,