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

chair, not bothering to stand, his gaze

health. His visit today truly frightened me. I think it's only fair that he apologizes by bowing

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

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

consideration of our many years of acquaintance, grant me this favor and let this incident slide.

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

his ears, felt like he was in the midst of

senses, he caught

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

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 their

fool; he could tell the Perez brothers were

comply, by tomorrow, the entire ancient warrior lineage would hear of the Grimshaw family's bullying. Flaunting their power, disregarding

spread rumors that the Grimshaw family was after 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 Grimshaw family's

especially since Asher's public challenge

all the way from

liability, that's what his son

for the circumstances, Oliver thought, "How did

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

good-for-nothing, what

"Dad!"