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, "?!"

emerged, equally baffled. "What's going

calling Jasper "Dad"? Was

A sleepwalking "War God" could spell

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 as good as a son. If you wish, I'll even change my last name to South! I'll

The Perez brothers, "?!"

Vivienne remained expressionless.

pinched the bridge

turned

a long pause, Jasper finally managed, "This is big news! Think it

about to respond when Jasper cut him off, "If you're sure,

a "War God" as his son! Jasper wouldn't dream of

at Jasper,

all I've done for the country, changing my name and transferring households is just a phone call away," Arthur,

Jasper, basking in the joy of gaining a "War God" son, was

any longer. I need to give

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 of jewelry, a hundred outfits, and I'm even willing to

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

Damn!

the bar high.

the "War God" offered, but his finances were tied up in supporting the nation and the war

turn to Fariana

Thomas, dealing with the Grimshaw family's fallout, sensed

Jasper was reeling from Arthur's

even more shocking than Arthur

Vivienne remained stoic.

the Linklater household, Yorick was having a breakdown in