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,

not bothering to stand, his gaze coldly falling on Asher,

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

finally snapped 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 and impotent ruffian in

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,

want 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

disdain, his head 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

he was

regaining his senses,

slumped onto Yuri's shoulder, "You see? This explains why Asher had the guts to act so brazenly. It seems Mr. Oliver Grimshaw himself has little respect for

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

a fool; he could tell the

ancient warrior lineage would hear of the Grimshaw

enemies of all ancient warrior lineages. Even those who once

family's word, especially since Asher's public

traveled all the way from Northway

that's what his son

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

ancestral covenant of seclusion, I still hold some regard for your father. So,

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

"Dad!"