I don’t think I’ve found a single story with this kind of setup that doesn’t end up ...

You’re asking for too much, I think I’ve read like 10 manhwas where the Mc raises people and none of them had the child they raised not fall in love with the Mc I gave up after the 6th one

Oh, I want talking about that, but that’s also horrible. I was thinking about powerful figure behind the scenes or secret organization type stuff. Especially where said powerful figure is unaware of the extent of their status.

These ones loosely fit that criteria
https://www.mangago.me/read-manga/i_m_really_not_the_demon_god_s_lackey/
https://www.mangago.me/read-manga/kage_no_jitsuryokusha_ni_naritakute/

This one not as mush, but it’s got the vibes
https://www.mangago.me/read-manga/a_villain_s_will_to_survive/

I’m sure I have more that fit, but these are the ones I could remember right off the top of my head. Anyways, they all end up going down that route and it’s really disappointing.

The Otherworldly Genius Method Actor

Wait lowkey interested with your recommendations, one question tho, does it have harem? Like currently.. Cuz with the first one it doesn't have any tags for harem, so kinda hoping

I only read up to like ch 80 on demon gods lackey but I’m pretty sure he doesn’t have any love interest (that likes/loves him) in that time

I stopped at 127 and there are multiple women who show interest in him and an unfortunate art style change with a lot more fan service

I don’t think any of them have a true harem with multiple girlfriends/wives, but I’m not up to date on them.

As far as demon gods lackey goes, multiple women become interested in him and there is a lot of fan service after the art style change. I got to 127 before getting tired of the fan service. This was a favorite of mine, but the artist has some very clear preferences…

I’m currently marinating eminence in the shadow, where I left off, there were a lot of women, like a lot. I don’t think I can remember a single man being in his organization other than him and it is tagged harem. I don’t remember much fan service though and I find this one quite funny. As this one has the least serious tone, I can overlook a lot of the harem and stuff I don’t like. I also like the manga more than the anime.

With villains will to survive, I had really high expectations for this one, but he’s got students interested in him and some others as well. I really don’t like the fact that the students are involved. If they had just held back in this area, this would have been amazing. You have been warned though. It has a tragedy tag that is warranted considering how the novel ends.

This is a different recommendation that I remembered while writing this.
https://www.mangago.me/read-manga/academy_s_undercover_professor/

This on is great, I like this. He’s powerful, got a secret organization, secret identities, and no fan service immediately comes to mind. That being said, the students that are the closest to him are girls, there are some boys, but they don’t have as much screen time with him but that might change. This one feels a lot more balanced.

https://www.mangago.me/read-manga/how_to_live_as_a_villain/

I think this one can also count, though I’ve been marinating this for quite a while and need to start over. Mc is strong, a bit crazy, and manipulates things from behind the scenes. I remember it being a very fun read if you like this type of character.

https://www.mangago.me/read-manga/regressor_instructional_manual/

There’s also this guy who is similar to the other one. Very manipulative and two faced, but in a fun way. There is a harem situation eventually, but he’s mainly using the woman to his advantage which is completely within his character to do, so I don’t mind as much. I’ve also been marinating this one, so I’m not sure about the current situation either.

Bro thank you for all the feedback and recommendations. (ꈍᴗꈍ) That is alot of typing, i marinated some of this and just remembered because of you, so I'll get back to it!

No problem. It’s not that much typing for me. I usually have to make a conscious effort to type less… I just type how I would have said it to you in person. I’m glad it was helpful and you’ve remembered some of the stuff you’ve marinated. I’ll come back if I think of any more recommendations or find new ones (⌒▽⌒)

I think this one loosely fits. She isn’t aware of her situation and the power she holds. The art is also amazing. This one is a new favorite of mine.

https://www.mangago.me/read-manga/i_was_possessed_but_it_became_a_ghost_story/