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.”

…

at a quaint café, the aroma of coffee filled the air as Arthur took a sip from his cup.

looked up hesitantly. “Kaitlyn said that the item has been taken by Vivienne. I can’t find

“She refuses to

to the hospital. I’m always one step behind, and even when I wait at Kaitlyn’s, Vivienne seems

“I’ve run out of options, so I had to

want me to intervene? That’s out of the question; it would blow

“But…”

find a solution soon,

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

raised an eyebrow. “Just go to Richard directly; he’ll help

“Really? Wasn’t it you who told me to keep a low

without explaining, leaving behind a cryptic, “The time is right,” before walking

mumbling, “What time is right? Why is the

…

Meanwhile, at Kaitlyn’s villa.

treating Tyler, Vivienne was about to leave when Kaitlyn hesitated,

Vivienne wasn’t surprised by what

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

give it back to you, we’ll truly be out of options. As long as I have it, Victoria will have to wait. I’m busy lately and can’t deal with her, but I’ll talk to her in a couple

Victoria. “But what if

never the patient type. Otherwise, their family wouldn’t have ended up that

that always seemed to work magic, “Trust

more conversation, Vivienne left

had been causing trouble, as if they had

who had been hiding in

and Percival were stretched thin,

remembered Huxley, who was locked away

At the Boyd Estate.