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?"

halted, "And what would you propose,

to stand, his gaze coldly falling on Asher,

I think it's only fair that he apologizes

all semblance of his previously feigned gentlemanly demeanor, resembling nothing more than a petty and

bit much. Asher is still a Grimshaw. To bow to you... If word gets out, how will he command respect within our

to waste more time with the Perez family. After a pause, he continued, "How about this? In consideration of our many years of acquaintance, grant me this favor and let this incident slide. Should you need anything in the future, the

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

was

senses, he caught Jasper's

the guts

talking about, bro? I don't think Mr. Oliver Grimshaw is the type to be hypocritical or 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

a fool; he could tell the Perez brothers were outright threatening

lineage would hear of the Grimshaw family's bullying. Flaunting their

spread rumors that the Grimshaw family was after other families' secrets. Then, the Grimshaw would become enemies of all ancient

would doubt the Perez family's word, especially since Asher's public challenge had already reached

all the way from

that's what his

he could kick Asher if not for the circumstances, Oliver thought,

We, the ancient warrior lineages, share honor and disgrace. Though you've forsaken the ancestral covenant of seclusion, I still hold some regard for your father. So, today's events

laced with contempt, "You good-for-nothing, what

"Dad!"