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?"

"And what

bothering to stand, his gaze

not in good health. His visit today truly frightened me. I think it's only fair that he

snapped back to reality. Clenching his teeth, he bellowed at Jasper, losing all semblance of his previously feigned gentlemanly demeanor,

he managed to keep a veneer of composure, "Jasper, that seems a bit much. Asher is still a Grimshaw. To bow to you... If word gets out, how

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 Grimshaw family

held high, uncompromising, "Don't talk to me about what may or may not be. What good is 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 looks down on the Perez

covering his ears, felt like he was

his senses, he caught Jasper's

the uptake, he slumped onto Yuri's shoulder, "You see? This explains why Asher had the guts to act so brazenly. It seems Mr.

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 weaker families, but they also attempt to seize

tell the Perez brothers were outright threatening

ancient warrior lineage would hear

other families' secrets. Then, the Grimshaw would become enemies of all ancient warrior lineages. Even those who once considered alliances would think twice, questioning the

the Perez family's word, especially since Asher's public challenge had already reached other ancient warrior lineages'

traveled all the way from

liability, that's what his son

Asher if not for the circumstances, Oliver

speaks too harshly. 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 were indeed due to Asher's recklessness. It's only right for him

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

"Dad!"