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.”

…

coffee filled the air as Arthur took

has been taken by Vivienne. I can’t find

“She refuses to hand

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

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

furrowed. “You want me to intervene? That’s

“But…”

she didn’t find a solution soon, she feared

at Percival’s mercy. She didn’t believe that Richard Ellington could stand idly by

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

me to keep a low profile and avoid contact with the Ellingtons?

cryptic, “The time is right,”

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

…

Meanwhile, at Kaitlyn’s villa.

was about to leave when Kaitlyn hesitated, “Vivienne,

by again yesterday?” Vivienne wasn’t surprised by

you should just give the item back to me. I’m scared she’ll lose patience and come

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

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

Kaitlyn’s impression, Victoria was never the patient type. Otherwise, their family wouldn’t have ended up

her with a confident glance that always seemed to work magic,

a little more conversation, Vivienne left

trouble, as if they had lost their minds, causing

small fry who had been hiding in the wilderness,

and Percival were stretched thin, dealing

locked away

At the Boyd Estate.