The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Ethan was utterly shocked.

He had thought Percival was merely testing the waters, but now...

It was clear Percival had all the evidence he needed.

Weighing his options, Ethan found Samantha of little concern. To him, she was nothing more than an old witch, delusional if she thought she could ensnare him.

His interest in Samantha was purely because she was working on a so-called "Elixir of Life," and since she was his aunt's protégé, he felt obligated to protect her at all costs.

However, despite Samantha's advanced age, her seductive tactics varied each time, igniting his desires in a way that gave him a perverse thrill.

Even if Samantha failed to produce the Elixir of Life, keeping her around for his own pleasure seemed like a viable option.

But now, he had to make a decision.

Seeing him silent, Oliver's face darkened. He slapped Ethan across the face, his voice thunderous, "You scoundrel! What have you done?"

The slap was charged with inner strength, heavy, causing Ethan's mouth to bleed. Wiping the blood from his lips, Ethan stared back malevolently, "What have I done? I've taken control, trampling you all underfoot!"

Hearing this, Asher burst out in rage, pointing at Ethan, "I knew it! You heartless beast, always up to no good!"

Asher then turned to Oliver, "Dad, take a good look. This is your chosen successor? He's going to ruin the Grimshaw legacy!"

Oliver was furious, "When did you start plotting this?"

It was clear that the involvement of Vivienne and Percival, acting on behalf of the government, indicated the gravity of the situation. The state feared that the entire ancient warrior lineage might be uprooted.

couldn't have been a recent development; otherwise, it

sinister smile, Ethan replied, "When did I start? It's been so long, I've

then narrowed his eyes, "Back then, were you planning to replace

and Percival stood by nonchalantly, signaling Leopold and Thomas to halt, as the

at malevolence, "Of course to kill

met all sorts of people, but I never expected to

his eyes filled with intense hatred, "I groveled and flattered you,

glanced around, his gaze settling on Asher, and sneered, "Once I take over the Grimshaw

me?" Oliver scoffed, "Don't flatter yourself. Despite everything I

heavy blow at Oliver, who dodged, "You've reached

for a while. While I might not

Why did you have to intervene now? Why not

mother, made her bear me, then rejected us both. He's a monster, deserving of death.

you're foolish, that's why," Vivienne replied

face turned ashen, "No! You're the

mother, yet you chose the most ineffectual. You knew the person behind you was using the Elixir of Life as a facade, seeking to overturn this era and rule once again. Yet,

our nation's development is built on the sacrifices of countless heroes.

those who've

without considering the will of the nation, the people,

claimed no high moral ground, her love

serve the nation, accepting the task meant she

to contend with her, and even if she fell, countless others who loved their

of Veridia could not be challenged

her. But she could help me control the