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.

him leave, a flicker of thought in her

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

Vivienne reached for her glass,

drink this one for Vivienne. She's still young, let's not have

had too much, the

hold her liquor well. Best not to let

then, catching on to their protective stance, laughed, "Alright, alright, no drinking then. We'll substitute with tea. But what's this

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

worried she'd make a scene

she didn't protest, merely lifting her tea cup to Richard, "To you, Granddad. We're

"Indeed, family."

satisfied with the

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

anyone who played chess so passionately yet so

they parted ways, Cecilia

some

and

not need them, but we must uphold

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

Yorick turned to leave, but Vivienne called out, "Granddad, aren't

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

away slowly, his steps heavy with

go, her eyes deep with

behind, "Everything's under control. No one

surprised by

might doubt your