The Million-Dollar Heart

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?"

of the government, indicated the gravity of the situation. The state feared that the entire ancient

a recent development; otherwise,

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

"Back then, were you planning to

signaling Leopold and Thomas to

at malevolence, "Of course to

burst into laughter, "Ha! In my life, I've met all sorts of people, but I never expected to raise a wolf in sheep's clothing. You hid it well,

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

sneered, "Once I

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

blow

for a while. While I might not be able to kill you

him. Why did you have to intervene now? Why not wait until I could kill him

us both. He's a

you're foolish, that's why,"

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

mother, yet you chose the most ineffectual. You knew the person behind you was using the Elixir of Life as a facade, seeking to overturn this era and

development is built on the sacrifices of countless heroes. Our

by those who've

Did you think to overturn an era without considering the will of the nation, the people,

moral ground, her love for the country

initially reluctant to serve the nation, accepting the task meant she

contend with her, and even if