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.

a recent development; otherwise, it wouldn't have attracted such

start? It's been

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

signaling Leopold and Thomas to halt,

at malevolence, "Of

my life, I've met all sorts of people, but I never expected to raise a wolf in sheep's clothing. You

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

and sneered, "Once I

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

retorted, swinging a heavy blow at

level for a while. While I might not be

to Vivienne and Percival, "I just needed more time to surpass him. Why did you have to intervene now?

us both. He's a monster, deserving of death. I was so

foolish, that's why," Vivienne

turned ashen, "No! You're the ones who've

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

the sacrifices of countless heroes.

by those who've faced

without considering the will of the nation, the people,

high moral ground, her love for the

the nation, accepting the task meant she had

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

Veridia could not be challenged

he scoffed self-deprecatingly, "I never wanted to serve her. But she could help me