The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Ethan’s elder brother, Asher Grimshaw, stood next in line to inherit the Grimshaw family’s legacy as the patriarch.

Ethan seemed to be immersed in the world of medicine, but in truth, he was running errands for their aunt in the family business.

Together, they were consumed with the quest for an elixir of eternal youth.

It was likely no coincidence that Samantha had met Ethan; it reeked of the Grimshaws’ machinations.

But this suited her just fine. She had grown weary of simple emotional entanglements; in this world, the strongest bonds were those forged by mutual benefit.

Pausing, she smirked and said, “You don’t expect me to help you research the elixir of eternal youth, do you?”

Her question sounded more like a statement.

Ms. Grimshaw chuckled softly, not denying it. “Have you considered it?”

Her icy gaze slid toward Ethan. “After all, my dear nephew has done so much for you. And the outside world is not so kind.”

Samantha knew she referred to Vivienne and Percival’s crowd, along with the Vanguard Agency.

After a recent clash, GTO was scattered, and without the support of the Grimshaw family, Samantha knew she’d be a sitting duck if she dared show her face.

Ms. Grimshaw was not merely suggesting; she was cornering Samantha into an agreement.

With a coy smile, Samantha straightened her dress and sat up. “Well, when you put it that way, I can hardly refuse such generous hospitality. We’ve been collaborators for so long; what’s one more day?”

It was true that they had been collaborators. After all, Ethan’s resources had always been at her disposal.

Samantha prided herself on being a master of timing. “Moreover, any resources I still command will be at your disposal.”

…

air as Arthur took a sip from his cup. “Cut to the

“Kaitlyn said that the item has been taken

Arthur frowned, “She refuses to hand

“No, it’s like she’s avoiding me on purpose. I’ve been staking out her usual routes home, even to the hospital. I’m always one step behind, and even when I wait at Kaitlyn’s, Vivienne seems to have a sixth

expression held a hint of frustration. “I’ve run out of options, so I had

me to intervene?

“But…”

find a solution soon, she feared for her mother’s

plan, she would have already thrown herself at Percival’s mercy. She didn’t believe that Richard Ellington could stand idly by

“Just go to

a low profile and avoid contact with

explaining, leaving behind a cryptic, “The time is right,”

watched his retreating figure, mumbling, “What time is right? Why is

…

Meanwhile, at Kaitlyn’s villa.

Vivienne was about to leave

wasn’t surprised by what

smile, “Maybe you should just give the item back to me. I’m scared

be out of options. As long as I have it, Victoria will have

remembering her own troubles with Victoria. “But what if Victoria Abernathy doesn’t want

Otherwise, their family wouldn’t have ended up that way before

glance that always seemed

conversation, Vivienne

been causing trouble, as

who had been hiding

were stretched thin, dealing

was locked away at the

At the Boyd Estate.