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

to stand, his gaze coldly falling on Asher, who

"You know I'm not in good health. His visit today truly frightened me. I think

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

as well, but compared to his son, 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 will he

this? In consideration of our many years of acquaintance, grant me

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

he was in the

regaining his senses, he caught Jasper's

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

warrior lineages? People will say the Grimshaw family preys on the weak. As a

Oliver wasn't a fool; he could tell the Perez brothers

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

they 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

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

wouldn't have traveled all

what

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

seclusion, I still hold some regard for your father. So, today's events

with contempt, "You good-for-nothing,

"Dad!"