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.

recent development;

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

Oliver frowned, then narrowed his eyes, "Back then, were you planning

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

at malevolence, "Of course to kill

of people, but I never expected to raise a wolf in sheep's

well, would you have taught me your powers?" Ethan looked up, his eyes filled with intense hatred, "I groveled

and sneered, "Once

think you can kill me?" Oliver scoffed, "Don't flatter yourself. Despite everything I taught

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

at the fifth level for a while. While I might not be

surpass him. Why did you have to

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

that's why,"

face turned ashen, "No!

your mother, yet you chose the most ineffectual. You knew the person behind you

built on the sacrifices of countless heroes. Our

by those

think to overturn an era without considering the will

her love for the country was

the task meant she had a

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

might of Veridia could not

serve her. But she could help me control the Grimshaw legacy. All I wanted was