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

silence, Richard chimed in, breaking the awkwardness, "Vivienne, on such a

for her glass, a large hand stopped

"Richard, I'll drink this one for Vivienne.

time she had too much, the aftermath was something

her liquor well. Best

alright, no drinking then. We'll substitute with tea. But what's this about you drinking for

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

worried she'd make a scene if

lifting her tea cup to Richard, "To you, Granddad. We're

"Indeed, family."

nodded, satisfied with

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

never met anyone who played chess

ways, Cecilia pulled

for some

and

might not need them, but we

his gaze never leaving Vivienne. Their eyes met across the room, sharing silent

drove away, Yorick turned to leave, but Vivienne called out,

suddenly, then decisively said, "Do

away slowly, his steps

him go, her eyes deep with

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

turned, surprised by Arthur's

gently, patting her shoulder, "You might doubt your dad's cooking, but