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

chair, not bothering to stand, his gaze coldly falling on Asher, who was

"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

all semblance of his previously feigned gentlemanly

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

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

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

felt like he was

regaining his senses,

the guts to act so brazenly.

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

he could tell the Perez

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

Asher's public challenge had already reached other ancient warrior lineages'

all the way from

what his

the circumstances,

seclusion, I still hold some regard for your father. So, today's events were indeed due to Asher's

contempt, "You good-for-nothing, what are you standing

"Dad!"