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."

visibly shaken by the scene, unable to harden his heart against

my sake, give him a chance

poison isn't

replied coolly, proceeding to

despair to relief, visibly wetting

be smart, complain about unfair treatment, blame your uncle and my father for stealing your glory. But

filled

Again, capability!

criticized him for

Why?

never felt

thoughts, said indifferently, "You think capability is about stealing glory from your family. The honor of the Linklater estate was earned

reputation of a wastrel."

life to his country, not needing the Linklater name to stand tall. My uncle's

father and uncle would have supported you. But you chose to scheme against your own family. With

repeated acknowledgments of her father, couldn't help but beam with pride, his mood brightening considerably at the prospect of finally being recognized as her father. Dracon, stunned by

the Linklater estate was to be his, why had he acted so

essentially

Yorick, expressionless, confirmed, "Yes."

looked down at him disdainfully. "I have three sons. Your brothers earned their own honors. Whether or not they had the Linklater name, they would be respected. Only you have achieved nothing. Yet, your years of being by my side, your filial piety, I've seen it all. That's why I told your brothers long ago that the Linklater estate

give me the Linklater estate, why didn't you tell me? If you had, I wouldn't