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

casually grabbed one, popped it open, and downed half in one go, laughing heartily, "Ah, that's refreshing!

"Hey! I'm talking to

to Maddox, "The

still come in? Where's

what's written on that banner?"

"Have you lost

the confusion, pulled out a red document from his backpack and handed it to Maddox, "I've changed my name. Call me 'Arthur South'

popping out of

official document, indicating his separation

Maddox was speechless.

Arthur's stature, known as the War God. It

a respectful bow, "Dad, when I, Arthur, 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 then, marrying her is my

Arthur's demeanor was that of the seasoned War God, yet he

to the Perez

at

to marry his daughter to Arthur. But Arthur was dead serious, even

could he possibly

missing Vivienne, who had emptied ten bottles of beer, her face

hand, she watched Arthur with eyes full of mischief and a sly smile playing on

forth between it and Arthur, struggling

dining room, once filled

"Bang!"

table, standing up with

table again, her

reigned at the dinner

Percival and whispering, "What's with

just fine, what's with the

it hit him,