Since he lives in Canada and has nothing to do with Waystar Royco or ATN as a matter of principle, Ewan Roy (James Cromwell) exists outside most of the family drama. He is opposed to his brother Logan in nearly every way, and his relationship with the Roys in general is fraught with animosity. The only family member he shows a sense of caring for is Greg Hirsch, his grandson, but even that dynamic is far from warm.
Given how abrasive and cold his personality is, Ewan might seem like a prime candidate for ruthlessness, but his actions suggest otherwise. Ewan has a strict ethical code that he refuses to break or even bend. One could argue that this rigidity is its own form of mercilessness, but at least he seems to hold values beyond the almighty dollar.
Despite hating his brother and everything he represents, and believing him to be extremely harmful to the world at large, Ewan doesn't take him down with the no-confidence vote when he has the chance. Whether he does this out of a sense of fraternal loyalty, strategic hypocrisy, or sheer disappointment with those in line to replace Logan is up for debate. Still, it's a less obviously malicious deed than the rest of Roys might manage.
Arguably Ewan's cruelest act is against Greg. He gives Greg an ultimatum that he either quit working for Waystar Royco or have his massive $250 million inheritance taken away. When Greg doesn't quit, Ewan follows through on his threat. The money instead goes to the Greenpeace charity, supporting Ewan's environmentalist priorities. This too seems grounded in principle more than ruthlessness.
