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;

"When did I start? It's been so long, I've forgotten. Probably

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

Thomas to halt, as the group quietly observed the

widened, hinting 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 hid

you have taught me your powers?" Ethan looked up, his eyes filled with intense hatred, "I groveled and flattered you, all to learn

sneered, "Once I take over the Grimshaw family, your days are

flatter yourself. Despite everything I taught you, you're

Ethan retorted, swinging a heavy blow at

a while. While I might not be able to kill you yet, injuring you severely is within my

him. Why did you have

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

you're foolish, that's

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

behind you was using the Elixir of Life as a facade, seeking to overturn

the sacrifices of countless heroes. Our people's happiness

those who've faced

without considering

claimed no high moral ground, her love for the

accepting the task meant she had

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

could not

to serve her. But she