The Million-Dollar Heart

As the words fell, Arthur lifted a glass of wine, clinking it against Percival's, "Kid, I admit you're impressive. My daughter marrying you, I reckon she'll find happiness. And don't hold it against me for blocking you two initially. It wasn't until mid-life that I found my true love and discovered I had a daughter. To this day, my emotions have been a rollercoaster."

Arthur downed his drink in one go, "It's hard for me to let her go, wanting to keep her by my side a few more years. But this girl, her heart's already with you."

He looked solemnly at Percival, "Percival, I'm stepping back now. My daughter's in your hands. If you let her suffer even the slightest, I'll never forgive you."

"Don't worry, I'm not one for pretty words. Just watch me. If I ever make Vivienne shed a tear, you won't need to come after me; I'll come to you, ready to face the consequences," Percival declared, finishing his drink. This was his promise to Arthur, and to Vivienne.

He understood Arthur, just as he understood the future version of himself.

If one day he and Vivienne had a daughter and she got a boyfriend, he'd probably go even beyond what Arthur had done.

Percival refilled both his and Arthur's glasses, "This one's to you!"

Without any unnecessary words, his toast encapsulated everything he wanted to say.

At that point, Arthur, finding no words to add, simply downed the drink Percival offered, accepting this future son-in-law.

Percival then sat back down.

Midway through the meal, Dracon suddenly stood up, "Dad, I've got something pressing to deal with. Need to step out." Yorick's expression darkened for a moment, but given the context, he coldly asked, "Does it have to be now?"

"Yes!" Arthur didn't hesitate.

Yorick opened his mouth to protest but eventually nodded, "Go then."

Dracon left in a hurry, not even bothering to say goodbye to the Ellington family.

a flicker of thought in her

Richard chimed in, breaking the awkwardness, "Vivienne, on such a joyous day, won't you have

Vivienne reached for her glass, a large hand stopped

if panicking, quickly interjected, "Richard, I'll drink this one for Vivienne. She's still young, let's not have her

last time she had too much, the aftermath was something

Vivienne can't hold her liquor

then, catching on to their protective stance, laughed, "Alright, alright, no drinking then. We'll

forehead - these two, in the span of one drink,

they were worried she'd make a scene if she

limits, she didn't protest, merely lifting her tea cup to Richard,

"Indeed, family."

satisfied with

the dinner wound down and guests began to leave, Richard, a bit tipsy, clung to Yorick, eagerly discussing their next chess match, "We must play again soon. I refuse to believe I'll lose again..." Yorick's lips twitched, but for the sake of family relations, he reluctantly agreed, "Alright, next time I'll

who played chess so passionately

they parted ways, Cecilia pulled Vivienne aside, "Vivienne,

some nice

and

soon. You might not need them, but we must

thoughtfulness, nodding in agreement. Percival watched from a distance, his gaze never leaving Vivienne. Their eyes met across the room, sharing silent messages

turned to leave, but

paused, his figure seeming to age suddenly, then decisively said, "Do what you must. I can't protect

his steps heavy

watched him go, her eyes deep with

from behind, "Everything's under control. No one here will

turned, surprised by

patting her shoulder, "You might doubt your dad's cooking, but never his