The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

At the Grimshaw family’s mansion.

Ever since Samantha was whisked away by that enigmatic man, she had plunged into unconsciousness.

It wasn’t until nightfall that she began to stir, finally coming to.

Waking up, she was immediately hit by an all-over ache, as if she had been dismantled and poorly reassembled.

Luckily, the damaged pathways within her had been expertly reconnected.

As she mulled over this, the door creaked open, and a man strolled in.

Upon seeing him, Samantha flashed a smile, sultry as a siren’s call. She rose to her feet and sidled up to him, her voice a soft drip of honey. “I knew you'd cfor me.” The man cast her a nonchalant glance, his voice sharp as ice. “Foolish!” “I was careless this time. | didn’t expect Vivienne to be so formidable. After all this tin hiding, she managed to find me.” Samantha’s voice was tinged with frustration.

That villa had cost her a pretty penny, fortified with barriers so sophisticated that even a master hacker might fail to pinpoint her sanctuary.

But she had overlooked one thing: Vivienne was no ordinary hacker. She was the Shadow Wolf! A legend in the hacking world.

And her mother, Karen, was even more skilled than she.

The duo was not only evil but seemed to be at cosmic odds with Samantha herself.

The man watched her, expressionless, silent as stone.

Sensing his displeasure, Samantha purred, “With your skills, they won't find you.” A flicker of something passed through the man’s eyes. He spoke, his voice deep and resonant, “When will you have what | want ready?” “It will take time!” His face darkened immediately.

Samantha quickly explained, “I've just been rescued by you. Vivienne and Percival are scouring the city for me. | can’t expose myself yet. Arrange a place forto stay, and once things cool down, I'll set up a new lab.” He continued to regard her in cold silence.

“Rest assured, I've found the research direction. I'm planning an upgraded version of ST-1 with a few more potent ingredients. It shouldn't be a problem.” In truth, she had no such direction. But she had to say it. This man was nothing like Francis, so easy to deal with.

She loved Francis, but not that passionately. And this man...

Well, he was the wild desire that Francis couldn't satisfy. Also, he was a talisman she sought for herself and Francis.

Immortality was her obsession, not Francis’. Francis loved her and wanted to be immortal with her. But for her, immortality was about forever ensnaring men with her beauty.

Apart from Francis and the man before her, there were many others. Shad since entered their graves.

Others were mere lads of twenty.

She had sampled every flavor of man but never bore a child to any, including Francis.

The man’s demeanor softened slightly. He spoke coolly, “Make sure it’s so. | have no use for worthless women.” Samantha slithered closer, her alabaster fingers tracing lightly along his jawline, her voice a seductive spell, “Do you find me... useless?” He looked down at Samantha, who was clad in the silk lace nightgown he had chosen for her. The neckline plunged daringly, hinting at the treasures beneath.

Her serpentine grace twisted upon him, and at last, he reacted. He gripped Samantha's head, his kiss fierce. She winced, not a touch of Francis’ gentleness.

But... she liked it.

Suddenly, he tossed her back onto the bed, his body following in a swift motion. A tempest raged within the room.

Three hours later, it subsided.

The man got up, dressing unhurriedly, gazing down at Samantha. He caressed her face. “This face, this body, still so enticing, and your skills... they improve, little temptress, but don’t seduce me.” Though Samantha was much older, in his presence, she seemed a mere girl.

Samantha smiled. “As long as you're pleased. In time, you'll savor this every day.” Immortality wasn't just about her face; her body had to defy age as well. Thankfully, though ST-1's effects on the face were short-lived, it maintained her body superbly.

At ninety, she appeared no more than thirty. Yet, she was not content. She yearned to be forever eighteen.

The man pinched her cheek. “Your new place is arranged. Stay put, and don’t show your face at the Grimshaw family, or you'll know the consequences.” “Understood,” Samantha nodded, “I only want you.” Without another word, he turned and left.

Samantha watched his retreat, lips curling. Such a carnivore, devouring the ‘meal’ and then forgetting it.

At Rivenwood Vivienne visited Karen, who still hadn't awakened. Willa was there, tirelessly tending to her every need.

After examining Karen, Vivienne’s brows knitted tightly together.

Worried, Willa asked, “Is Sasha’s condition worsening?” Vivienne shook her head. “No, Mom's vitals are stable. No issues there.” “Then why that look just now?” Willa frowned. She was led to believe the worst.

“Because no issue is an issue,” Vivienne said. Perfect vitals. no anomalies in the tests yet she remained unconscious. How was that not concerning? “So, you mean to say... your mom might never wake up?” Willa’s expression darkened, a chill emanating from her.

“Perhaps.” Vivienne’'s voice matched her gravity. This was not the outcshe had hoped for.

The initial surgery on her mother was only meant to uncover the appearance of the elusive F-Poison .But ever since then, many things had begun to fall into place.

Everything seemed to be falling into place for finding Samantha's whereabouts and it was going so smoothly that it scared her. She feared that this time, her mother might really leave her forever. Yet, there were no signs of trouble with her mother’s vital signs, a puzzle she was encountering for the first time.

Seeing her downcast, Willa said, “Don’t worry too much. If the vitals are stable, it means there's still a chance Sasha will wake up.” Vivienne nodded. “Yeah, thanks, Willa. | appreciate you looking after my mom.” “With me, there’s no need for formalities.” After checking on Karen again, Vivienne headed to Percival’s private villa. She had been there twice before and knew the gate code by heart.

She punched in the code and let herself in.

Just as she stepped inside, the door to the downstairs bathroom swung open, and there was Percival, clad in nothing but a towel.

Their eyes locked, and Vivienne froze.

Vivienne thought to herself, “Wow, that’s quite a sight!” Percival, equally startled, blurted out, “Vivienne, what brings you here at this time?” After a brief moment of shock, a wildfire seemed to ignite within Vivienne, and a voice in her head roared, “Go for it!”