The Million-Dollar Heart

Using his cane with a metallic bottom, Oliver smacked it hard against Asher's knee.

Thud!

Already unstable on his feet, Asher crumpled forward, kneeling directly in Jasper's direction!

Asher's eyes widened, full of disbelief.

Oliver, without sparing him a glance, bowed slightly toward Jasper, "Jasper, forgive my lack of guidance. My apologies for the trouble my son has caused. Rest assured, upon our return, I'll discipline him strictly. We've overstayed our welcome today. Should you need anything in the future, do not hesitate to call me. I'll take my leave now so as not to disturb your afternoon respite."

Jasper raised an eyebrow, momentarily unsure of what play Oliver was staging.

Just moments before, Oliver seemed ready to cripple his sons without a second thought, but now he was puffing himself up like an indignant wolf!

But to leave such a mess and just walk away?

That wasn't going to be so easy.

A dark glint passed through Jasper's aged eyes. As Oliver turned to leave, he said calmly, "Hold on. Oliver, your son came here today to provoke the Perez family without a word of reason. I am his elder, and he dared to shout at me, pointing fingers. We haven't settled this account yet, and you think you can just leave like that? You're belittling the Perez family. He's a grown man; what's it to you if you apologize on his behalf?"

what would you propose,

stand, his gaze coldly falling on Asher, who was still reeling from

laugh, he said, "You know I'm not in good health. His visit today truly frightened me. I think it's only

back to reality. Clenching his teeth, he bellowed at Jasper, losing all semblance of his previously feigned gentlemanly demeanor, resembling nothing more than a petty

seems a bit much.

After a pause, he continued, "How about this? In consideration of our many years of acquaintance,

your favor if you renege on it later? I want his apology today! Oliver, don't talk to me about commanding respect. I am the head of the Perez family, his elder. What's so shameful about bowing and admitting wrong to an elder? Or is it that the Grimshaw family

felt like he was in the

regaining his senses, he caught Jasper's

why Asher had the guts to act so brazenly.

sanctimonious. He'll surely handle this fairly. Otherwise, how will we stand among the ancient warrior lineages? People will say the Grimshaw family preys on the weak. As a venerable member of the ancient warrior lineages, not only do they not protect weaker families,

could tell the Perez brothers

he didn't comply, by tomorrow, the entire ancient warrior lineage would hear of the Grimshaw

the Grimshaw would become enemies of all ancient warrior lineages. Even those who once considered

one would doubt the Perez family's word, especially since Asher's

wouldn't have traveled all the way from Northway

liability, that's what

heart, wishing he could kick Asher if not for the circumstances, Oliver thought, "How did I end up

Though you've forsaken the ancestral covenant of seclusion, I still hold some regard for your father. So, today's events were indeed due to Asher's

voice laced with contempt, "You good-for-nothing, what are you standing there for? Apologize to

"Dad!"