The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Oliver chuckled, a knowing smile spreading across his face. If Vivienne could uncover the secrets of the mysterious armor and Ethan's shady dealings, how could she possibly fail to dig up Ramona's true identity?

"Right you are, it's Ramona. She's not actually my niece, but my own flesh and blood, my daughter," he revealed with a light laugh. To the family and the world, he had claimed Ramona was the daughter of a distant cousin. But in truth, she was his own.

The love he held for Ramona's mother was unparalleled, the greatest of his life. Yet, he couldn't give Ramona's mother the recognition she deserved. It wasn't that he didn't want to; he simply couldn't. Having led the Grimshaw clan for years, he knew all too well the kind of people his family was made up of. His eldest son was selfish and narrow-minded. His second son, in Oliver's eyes, was previously considered incompetent and petty. If they ever found out Ramona was his biological daughter, keeping her alive would be a miracle.

But Ramona was exceptionally gifted, showing a natural talent for martial arts from a very young age. He found a perfect solution by bringing her home under the guise of being his niece, ensuring she received the best of everything. However, his kindness towards her seemed to irk others. In his absence, his eldest took it upon himself to cripple Ramona's martial ability and even tasked her with getting close to Percival.

Upon discovering this, Oliver was furious, to the point where he considered ending his son's life. But he refrained, seeing his eldest as no longer fit to lead the dynasty. Yet, as the proud heir of the Grimshaw lineage, his eldest son did save Oliver from many troubles, so he spared him for the time being. Naturally, he didn't inform his son of Ramona's true parentage. If he did, Ramona's life would be in immediate danger, and he wouldn't be able to retaliate against his own flesh and blood.

Thus, he played along with his son's scheme, allowing Ramona to follow his orders. Deep down, Oliver thought that Ramona getting close to Percival might not be such a bad idea. If she could gain Percival's favor, perhaps that would be the best way to keep her safe. Yet, he underestimated the bond between Percival and Vivienne, as solid as ever, making splitting them apart seem more challenging than reaching the heavens.

Upon hearing Oliver's revelation, both Asher and Ethan cursed internally, frustrated with their father's manipulative tactics. Especially Asher, who regretted not investigating further into Ramona's lineage. Had he known she was Oliver's biological daughter, he would have taken a more drastic approach instead of merely crippling her. It became clear that Oliver had never truly considered Asher a worthy successor. The irony of Oliver's feigned devotion to their mother, all while fathering illegitimate children, wasn't lost on them. Yet, for Oliver, his treatment of Ramona stood out starkly against his disregard for his sons. At a moment when the family's survival hung in the balance, Oliver chose to protect Ramona over his sons. This realization slightly diminished Asher's resentment towards Ethan. After all, they were but pawns in a larger game.

"She'll live as long as she doesn't cross the line," Vivienne said indifferently, dismissing the notion of protecting Ramona for the sake of Oliver's reputation.

Oliver sighed, "I know, and I'll talk to Ramona about her actions towards you. As for the matter of reputation... well, mine might not carry enough weight, but what about your mother's?" Vivienne frowned, puzzled. "What do you mean?" When had her mother ever interacted with the Grimshaws? She had never heard her mother mention them.

"Twenty-five years ago, I did your mother a good turn. She said if there ever came a day when I needed her help and she was able, she would repay the favor," Oliver explained with a self-deprecating laugh. "Ironically, during a time when I was inclined towards peace, I found your mother unconscious on the outskirts of the Grimshaw estate, starved and faint. I took her in for a meal."

continued, "From the first time I saw you, I guessed you were her daughter. You look so much alike. Later investigations proved me right. But I never imagined she would

call in that favor." Pausing, Oliver added, "Given

replied,

taken aback. "You do?" Her trust surprised

mother mentioned once that a Grimshaw had shown her kindness. We don't like

Flynn had shown

they would

Oliver had done for

escaped from GTO, penniless and pursued, until she collapsed in the mountains

encountered a Grimshaw who needed to call in that favor, as long as it was within their power, they were obliged to return it. Oliver was somewhat surprised. "I thought it was

"The debt my mother owes, I'll repay.

satisfied with her answer. He then raised his voice, addressing the Grimshaw family, "Hear me

that, he turned to

despise me, but you don't need to off me-my time's almost up anyway. But you-" Oliver looked away, his expression unreadable, "You've stirred up a hornet's nest, mate. It's one thing for you to go down, but dragging your mum into this mess

face tightened, and

to do with her. Just hand over whoever Vivienne and her lot are after, and I believe your mother

a moment before asking Vivienne and Percival, "Is

Percival nodded, "Absolutely!"