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?"

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

recent development; otherwise, it wouldn't

It's been so long,

then narrowed his eyes, "Back then, were you planning to replace

Leopold and Thomas to halt, as the group quietly observed the unfolding

at malevolence,

all sorts of people, but I never expected to raise a wolf in sheep's clothing. You hid it well,

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

sneered, "Once I take over the Grimshaw family, your days

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

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

a while. While I might not

Vivienne and Percival, "I just needed more time to surpass him. Why did you have to intervene now? Why not wait until

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

foolish, that's why," Vivienne replied

turned ashen, "No! You're the

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

our nation's development is built on the sacrifices of countless heroes. Our people's happiness

those who've faced

overturn an era without considering the will of the nation, the people, or

ground, her love for

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

and even if she fell, countless others who loved