The Million-Dollar Heart

Vivienne's back stiffened, her usually delicate face now as dark as a thundercloud, pitch black and stormy.

Percival barely suppressed a smirk.

When had the so-called "War God" become such a fool?

Arthur: "Hey, kid, watch your mouth. I am your future father-in-law. Be careful, or I might not let her marry you!"

Percival: "Do you really think you hold that much sway in my lady's heart?"

Arthur: ...

Stabbed in the heart!

Jasper, on the other hand, didn't catch the tension between Vivienne and Percival. He was distracted by an almost maniacal voice growing louder outside, approaching rapidly.

"When did Arthur arrive? What's he doing here?" Jasper wondered aloud.

The Perez and the Linklater families were acquaintances, but barely interacted.

Their most significant connection was through Yorick, who had a slight acquaintance with a few of the Perez sons. Arthur, known far and wide for his military exploits as the "War God" of Veridia, was respected by the Perez family, though they rarely saw him, given his duties.

"Why has Arthur come to the Perez household now? And in such a hurry?" Jasper pondered.

As Jasper stood there, puzzled, Arthur approached, hands clasped in apology, "Dad! Sorry I'm late! I'll make it up to the family, I promise!"

Jasper, "?!"

Perez emerged, equally baffled. "What's

Jasper "Dad"?

serious. A sleepwalking "War God"

take your meds today... Ahem, I mean, what's gotten into you, calling me 'Dad'?" "While I'd love to have a 'War God' for a son, I'm not about to steal someone else's, especially not my daughter's mentor's son. That's completely off-limits!" Arthur, dead serious, offered, "Dad, a son-in-law is

The Perez brothers, "?!"

Vivienne remained expressionless.

pinched the bridge of his nose,

turned exceedingly

managed, "This is big news! Think it

Jasper cut him off, "If you're sure, we can head to the courthouse now to change

son! Jasper wouldn't dream of letting such

at Jasper,

name and transferring households is just

gaining a "War God" son, was unprepared for

mean, Karen, a wedding for over twenty years. It's time to make it right. She's still unconscious, which isn't ideal for a wedding, but I can't wait any longer. I need to give her and our daughter their due recognition. They've suffered because of my absence, and I want to make it up to them. I've

Arthur continued, "Originally, I wanted it sooner, but the soothsayer advised against it. Ten days from now is auspicious for marriage. Don't worry about the dowry; I'm offering ten billion dollars, ten houses, ten luxury cars, ten plots in Rivenwood suburb, a hundred sets

for the bride's dowry, we won't need one. Whatever she wants, I'll

Damn!

setting the bar high. How could

"War God" offered, but his finances were

to Fariana Isle for a quick

dealing with the Grimshaw family's

was reeling from Arthur's

Maddock, and Luke were stunned, having heard something even more shocking than Arthur adopting Jasper

Vivienne remained stoic.

back at the Linklater household, Yorick