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.

the Perez household had become legendary, with

War God, in an attempt to win over his future father-in-law, had

major blow to the Linklater

couple of concerns, and this is how I get

genuinely want to follow

Arthur, "..."

demanding, "I need to know what lengths you'll go to for my daughter." His daughter deserved nothing

gaze squarely, his

hers. I know she doesn't need

declared she needed

appeased by Percival's response. Years of experience had taught him that promises were cheap unless backed by action, especially

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.

his hand gently, "Our daughter will still be part of our lives after marriage. We can see

Arthur had no response.

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

as Vivienne saw Percival out, she returned to find Sasha

couldn't bring herself to

"Your dad's probably in his room, worrying about you

not to

day for us to visit your grandparents. You should come

The next day.

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

"Sir, your eldest son

grunt, prompting the butler to usher

gaze briefly settling on Winston in Hunter's arms before

down his blocks, greeted him with a soft,

smile, its warmth disappearing as quickly

carried authority, "What

is willing to personally apologize to the Linklater family, hoping for their forgiveness." Hunter's reaction

expression darkened

she can wait four

carrying a warning, "We still have business dealings with the Linklater family. Tell her if