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

gaze coldly falling on Asher, who was still reeling from

"You know I'm not in good health. His visit today truly frightened me. I think it's only fair that he apologizes by bowing his head. Isn't that

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

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

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

felt like he was in the midst

regaining his senses,

see? This explains why Asher had the guts to

we stand among the ancient warrior lineages? People will say the Grimshaw family preys on the weak. As a venerable member

fool; he could tell the Perez brothers were

by tomorrow, the entire ancient warrior lineage would hear of the Grimshaw family's

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

Perez family's word, especially since Asher's

wouldn't have traveled all the way from Northway

liability, that's what his

if not for the circumstances, Oliver thought, "How did

forsaken the ancestral covenant of seclusion, I still hold some regard for your father. So, today's events were

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

"Dad!"