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 wouldn't

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

were you planning to replace me, or to kill

Thomas

at malevolence, "Of course to kill

people, but

powers?" Ethan looked up, his eyes filled with intense hatred, "I groveled and flattered you, all to learn everything you knew, gain your approval,

gaze settling on Asher, and sneered, "Once I take over the Grimshaw family,

"Don't flatter yourself. Despite everything I taught you,

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

might not be able to kill you yet, injuring you

him. Why did you have to intervene now? Why not wait until I could kill him with my

me, then rejected us both. He's a monster, deserving of death. I

that's

"No! You're

most ineffectual. You knew the person behind you was using the Elixir of Life as a facade, seeking

built on the sacrifices

by those who've faced

an era without considering

no high moral ground, her love for the country was influenced by her

initially reluctant to serve the nation, accepting the

seeking to disrupt this era would have to contend with her, and even if she fell, countless others who loved their country would stand in

Veridia could not

But