The Million-Dollar Heart

Percival Ellington stared at his phone for a moment before slipping it back into his pocket, his brow furrowed in confusion.

What now?

Just as he was about to stop Vivienne Hawthorn from pouring another glass of whiskey, a commotion erupted at the front door. "Our boss says Arthur Linklater and dogs are not welcome here!" announced the doorman, who doubled as a security guard. Arthur's indomitable voice followed, "Think you can stop me with that scrawny frame?"

The security guard hesitated, "... I can't stop you, but that doesn't mean I'll let you in!"

Arthur snorted and made his way inside. The other guards quickly formed a circle around Arthur, attempting to block his entry.

Arthur signaled to Shane and Dante behind him. Understanding the cue, they stepped forward; each grabbed a couple of guards in a friendly manner, "Fellas, let's go have a chat about life. No need to make this hard on yourselves."

With only four guards at the door, they found themselves unable to break free from Shane and Dante's grip, exchanging bewildered looks.

How is this happening?

They were accomplished in martial arts, yet they couldn't move an inch in these two's hold?

While they were still in shock, Shane and Dante dragged them aside.

The guards could only watch as Arthur entered the Perez Manor, with one shouting in vain, "Hey! You can't go in there!"

Before he could finish, Shane lit a cigarette and casually placed it in the guard's mouth.

Arthur, as if he owned the place, made his way into the Perez family's gathering. Noticing they were still drinking, he nonchalantly sat down, dropping his backpack under the chair, and announced, "Hey, Dad, you're eating? Good, I haven't had dinner yet."

Jasper's face turned as dark as thunder, "How thick is your skin?"

Arthur grabbed a chicken leg, took a bite, and replied, "Thick as a castle wall!"

Jasper was speechless.

Perez, observing Arthur's brazen demeanor, slammed his fist on the table, fuming, "Arthur, are you blind? Didn't you see the banner at the door? It clearly states, 'Arthur and dogs not allowed!"" The banner was Maddox's doing right before dinner, anticipating Arthur's shameless return to the

shameless as ever, acted as if he hadn't

open, and downed half in one go,

"Hey! I'm talking

to

still come in? Where's your

on that banner?" Arthur declared as if it was the most natural thing

"Have you

document from his backpack and handed it to Maddox, "I've changed my name. Call me

at the document, his eyes nearly popping out of his head in disbelief, "Holy shit!

Arthur's official document, indicating his separation from

Maddox was speechless.

of Arthur's stature, known as the

"Dad, when I, Arthur, give my word, it'szas solid as iron. If Karen if she wants anything from me when she wakes up, even my life for all the pain I've caused her, I won't hesitate. But

the seasoned War

the Perez

was at

want to marry his daughter to Arthur. But Arthur was dead serious,

could he possibly

missing Vivienne, who had emptied

with eyes full of mischief

looked back and forth

at a loss, and the dining room, once filled with laughter, fell

"Bang!"

standing up with a

one moved, Vivienne slapped the table again, her voice harsh,

at the dinner

snap out of it, leaning to Percival and whispering, "What's with Vivienne?