The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne was momentarily speechless.

Was Mr. Wolf really in such a hurry to marry her?

Arthur was adamantly opposed, "No way, marriage is a big deal. Just because you say you're ready in two months, who knows if you're just saying that to trick my daughter into going along with it..."

Percival, "..."

Arthur, if you've got a problem with me, just say it!

In this standoff, Sasha couldn't side with anyone without being wrong.

All they could do was rely on Yorick to mediate, "Vivienne, it's up to you. If you say yes, no one else's opinion matters."

Vivienne coolly replied, "I don't care about the formalities, as long as I can be with Mr. Wolf."

Arthur was fuming.

My dear daughter, I'm just looking out for you. We've finally reunited as a family, how can you just up and leave like this!

But the situation now was such that if he said another word, the delicate relationship he'd just repaired with his daughter might crumble instantly.

Yet, he couldn't bear the thought of simply handing his daughter over to someone else.

"No, I need more time to think."

Vivienne rolled her eyes at him in disbelief.

Was her marriage not her own decision to make?

Percival smirked, "Arthur, if it eases your concerns, I could even take your last name and join the Linklater family!"

This statement, predictably, shocked everyone present.

Even Yorick, who was presiding over the meeting, changed expression.

It wasn't shock, though, but embarrassment.

spectacle at the Perez household had become

God, in an attempt to win over his future father-in-law, had humbly offered himself as a son, only

a major blow

voiced a couple of concerns, and this is how

genuinely want to follow in

Arthur, "..."

his objections were futile, Arthur confronted Percival with the full force of his patriarchal authority, demanding, "I need to know what lengths you'll go to for my daughter." His

gaze squarely, his expression

everything I own will be hers. I know she doesn't need it, but I want her to

declared she needed

him that promises were cheap unless backed by

of Percival's assets and influence, modest compared to his daughter's but still considerable among his peers. That Percival was willing to commit his resources was a good sign. Convinced he had no other option, Arthur turned to Sasha, seeking her support with a look

of our lives after marriage.

Arthur had no response.

Yorick, "Dad, let's settle this matter. We should pick a date for both

saw Percival out, she returned to find Sasha alone

he?" Vivienne couldn't bring herself

probably in his room, worrying about you

decided not to press

the day for us to visit

The next day.

sat at his mahogany desk, busy with work, while Winston played with toys on the floor, occasionally running up to Hunter, who

your eldest

Hunter acknowledged with a grunt, prompting the

settling on Winston in Hunter's arms before

down his blocks, greeted him

fleeting smile, its warmth

carried authority, "What is

personally apologize to the Linklater family, hoping for

darkened

wait

tone now carrying a warning, "We still have business dealings with the Linklater family. Tell her if they don't forgive her,