The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Dracon's reaction was like he'd just been slapped across the face, a mocking laugh escaped his lips. "Not satisfied, Dad? And what about you?"

"Ever since I was a kid, you never had a good word for me. You praised my older brother for his courage and determination, my younger brother for his brains and vision. But when it came to me, all you had was disdain. And you say I'm not satisfied?"

"I've been by your side for over a decade, serving you like a butler. And how do you talk about me to others? As a no-hoper, an underachiever, just drifting through life, not even a patch on my brothers." "You constantly brag about them. What have they ever done for you?"

"Dad, it's you who's never satisfied. You just want all three sons to be perfect like you."

Yorick swayed slightly, sighing deeply as if talking to Dracon and himself at the same time.

"I raised you boys with a firm hand. Your brothers made something of themselves, but you always preferred ease and comfort. And now, you blame me for everything." "Enough, enough. You're beyond saving. I'm done trying."

Hearing his father give up on him sparked a deep hatred in Dracon's eyes. "You pushed me to this, made me what I am today. You can't just wash your hands of me."

The moment Dracon pulled out his knife, Vivienne swiftly neutralized him with a flick of her wrist, sending a silver dart to block his movements.

The unneutralized drug in his system intensified its effects.

Dracon quickly began bleeding profusely, not just from the mouth but from every facial orifice.

She coldly disposed of the knife Dracon had intended to use against Yorick, scoffing, "Fools always look for excuses!"

Arthur stepped in to support Yorick, his gaze on Dracon void of any emotion.

Blood spilled from Dracon's mouth as he pleaded, "Dad, save me... I don't want to die."

unable to harden his heart against his son,

for my sake, give

poison

replied coolly, proceeding to neutralize the

despair to

unfair treatment, blame your uncle and my father for stealing your glory. But even if you were handed the entire Linklater estate, do you really think you're capable of standing

eyes filled with

Again, capability!

him for his lack

Why?

felt inferior

Linklater estate was earned by my grandfather

reputation of a wastrel."

name to stand tall. My uncle's position as a diplomat was earned through his own efforts. They don't

Even if it didn't shine as brightly under you, my father and uncle would have supported you. But you chose to scheme against

beam with pride, his mood brightening considerably at the prospect of finally being recognized as her father. Dracon, stunned by Vivienne's words, turned to Yorick

was to be his, why had he

essentially fighting against

Yorick, expressionless, confirmed, "Yes."

honors. Whether or not they had the Linklater name, they would be respected. Only you have achieved nothing.

couldn't believe what he was hearing. He felt like he'd lost his soul. "No, that can't be. If you planned to give me the Linklater estate, why didn't you tell me? If you had, I wouldn't have..." Yorick snorted coldly. "Look at yourself now. How could I tell you? To let