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?"

government, indicated the gravity of the situation. The state

have been a recent development; otherwise, it wouldn't have attracted such

Ethan replied, "When did I start? It's

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

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

widened, hinting at malevolence,

people, but I never

eyes filled with intense hatred, "I groveled and flattered you, all to learn everything you knew, gain your approval, and take over

and sneered, "Once I take over

me?" Oliver scoffed, "Don't flatter yourself.

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

not be able to kill you yet, injuring

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

me, then rejected us both. He's a monster, deserving of death. I was so close,

foolish, that's why," Vivienne replied

face turned ashen, "No! You're the

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 rule

development is built on the sacrifices

by those who've

head-on. Did you think to overturn an era without considering the will of the nation, the people, or even me?"

ground, her love for the country

the nation, accepting the task meant

to contend with her, and even if she fell, countless others