The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Using his cane with a metallic bottom, Oliver smacked it hard against Asher's knee.

Thud!

Already unstable on his feet, Asher crumpled forward, kneeling directly in Jasper's direction!

Asher's eyes widened, full of disbelief.

Oliver, without sparing him a glance, bowed slightly toward Jasper, "Jasper, forgive my lack of guidance. My apologies for the

trouble my son has caused. Rest assured, upon our return, I'll discipline him strictly. We've overstayed our welctoday. Should

you need anything in the future, do not hesitate to call me. I'll take my leave now so as not to disturb your afternoon respite."

Jasper raised an eyebrow, momentarily unsure of what play Oliver was staging.

Just moments before, Oliver seemed ready to cripple his sons without a second thought, but now he was puffing himself up like an

indignant wolf!

But to leave such a mess and just walk away?

That wasn't going to be so easy.

A dark glint passed through Jasper's aged eyes. As Oliver turned to leave, he said calmly, "Hold on. Oliver, your son chere

today to provoke the Perez family without a word of reason. | am his elder, and he dared to shout at me, pointing fingers. We

haven't settled this account yet, and you think you can just leave like that? You're belittling the Perez family. He's a grown man;

what's it to you if you apologize on his behalf?"

Oliver halted, "And what would you propose, Jasper?"

Jasper sat firmly in his chair, not bothering to stand, his gaze coldly falling on Asher, who was still reeling from Oliver's scolding.

With a mocking laugh, he said, "You know I'm not in good health. His visit today truly frightened me. | think it's only fair that he

apologizes by bowing his head. Isn't that reasonable?"

"Jasper, you're crossing the line!"

At Jasper's words, Asher finally snapped back to reality. Clenching his teeth, he bellowed at Jasper, losing all semblance of his

previously feigned gentlemanly demeanor, resembling nothing more than a petty and impotent ruffian in his rage!

Oliver's face darkened as well, but compared to his son, he managed to keep a veneer of composure, "Jasper, that seems a bit

much. Asher is still a Grimshaw. To bow to you... If word gets out, how will he command respect within our family?"

He truly didn't want to waste more twith the Perez family. After a pause, he continued, "How about this? In consideration of our

many years of acquaintance, grantthis favor and let this incident slide. Should you need anything in the future, the Grimshaw

family will not hesitate to assist."

Jasper was unimpressed. He snorted with disdain, his head held high, uncompromising, "Don't talk toabout what may or may

not be. What good is your favor if you renege on it later? | want his apology today! Oliver, don't talk toabout commanding

respect. | am the head of the Perez family, his elder. What's so shameful about bowing and admitting wrong to an elder? Or is it

that the Grimshaw family looks down on the Perez family?"

Maddox, covering his ears, felt like he was in the midst of a buzzing beehive.

Finally regaining his senses, he caught Jasper's look.

Quick on the uptake, he slumped onto Yuri's shoulder, "You see? This explains why Asher had the guts to act so brazenly. It seems

Mr. Oliver Grimshaw himself has little respect for us."

Yuri, always in sync with him, added, "What are you talking about, bro? | don't think Mr. Oliver Grimshaw is the type to be

hypocritical or sanctimonious. He'll surely handle this fairly. Otherwise, how will we stand among the ancient warrior lineages?

People will say the Grimshaw family preys on the weak. As a venerable member of the ancient warrior lineages, not only do they

not protect weaker families, but they also attempt to seize their secrets. How will they face the other lineages after that?"

"Enough!" Oliver wasn't a fool; he could tell the Perez brothers were outright threatening him!

If he didn't comply, by tomorrow, the entire ancient warrior lineage would hear of the Grimshaw family's bullying. Flaunting their

power, disregarding old friends!

Worse, if they spread rumors that the Grimshaw family was after other families' secrets. Then, the Grimshaw would become

enemies of all ancient warrior lineages. Even those who once considered alliances would think twice, questioning the Grimshaw

family's trustworthiness.

No one would doubt the Perez family's word, especially since Asher's public challenge had already reached other ancient warrior

lineages’ ears.

Otherwise, Oliver wouldn't have traveled all the way from Northway City!

A liability, that's what his son was!

Cursing in his heart, wishing he could kick Asher if not for the circumstances, Oliver thought, "How did | end up with such a

worthless son?"

"You speaks too harshly. We, the ancient warrior lineages, share honor and disgrace. Though you've forsaken the ancestral

covenant of seclusion, | still hold sregard for your father. So, today's events were indeed due to Asher's recklessness. It's only

right for him to apologize to your father."

He kicked Asher again, his voice laced with contempt, "You good-for-nothing, what are you standing there for? Apologize to Mr.

Jasper, now!"

"Dad!"

Asher was seething with rage, but before he could protest, Oliver's stern glance cut him off.

Asher felt as if a boulder was crushing his chest, a terrifying suffocation that left him gasping for air. His mouth agape, his scalp

tingling with dread, he finally bowed his proud head, though his fingernails were digging into his palms out of sight.

Facing Jasper, he had no choice but to muster a forced smile and bow deeply, "Mr. Jasper, I'm sorry. Today, my words were

inappropriate, and | was disrespectful to you. | hope you can forgive me."

Jasper wasn't eager to burn bridges with the Grimshaws, and seeing Asher actually bowing, he didn't care whether the apology was

sincere or not, eventually standing up.

"That's more like it. Oliver, you better teach your son smanners. He's grown yet ignorant about proper conduct. I'm easygoing,

but with someone else, he wouldn't have been so lucky today."

"Thank you for your generosity, Jasper." Oliver managed a strained, insincere grin, "What are you still kneeling for? You imbecile, I'll

deal with you when we get home!"

He turned to leave with the rest of the Grimshaws, the unconscious bodies of Joss and Isaac being carried away with them.

As they neared the doorway, Jasper glanced at the blood-stained floor and called out, "Don't forget to clean up your mess. It's a

real eyesore."

Oliver's steps faltered; he took a deep breath, "You two, stay behind. Make sure Jasper's doorstep is spotless, not a speck of dust

left!"

The two Grimshaw youths looked back at the bloodied ground, their faces showing their reluctance.

"What? You don't take my orders seriously?" Oliver's eyes narrowed threateningly.

The two hurriedly shook their heads, "Don't worry, sir. We'll ensure the Perez residence is cleaned thoroughly."

"You better!"

With a cold snort, Oliver led his people away, a formidable procession striding out.

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