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.

development; otherwise, it wouldn't have attracted such

Ethan replied, "When did I start? It's been so long, I've forgotten. Probably around when I was

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

Leopold and Thomas to halt, as the group quietly observed

malevolence, "Of course to

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

up, his eyes filled with intense hatred, "I groveled and flattered you, all to learn everything you knew, gain

and sneered, "Once I take over the

Oliver scoffed, "Don't flatter yourself.

blow at Oliver, who dodged,

fifth level for a while. While I might not

Percival, "I just needed more time to surpass him. Why did you have to intervene now? Why not wait until I could kill him with my

me, then rejected us both.

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

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

were many ways you could've avenged your mother, yet you chose the most ineffectual. You knew the person behind you was

built on the sacrifices of countless

by those

head-on. Did you think to overturn an era without considering the will of the nation, the people,

high moral ground, her love for the country was

serve the nation, accepting the task meant she had a duty to

to contend with her, and even if she fell, countless others who loved their country would stand in their

might of Veridia could

to serve her. But she could