The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne) novel Chapter 732

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.”

...

Days later, at a quaint café, the aroma of coffee filled the air as Arthur took a sip from his cup. “Cut to the chase; I'm short on time.”

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

“Vivienne again?” Arthur frowned, “She refuses to hand it over?”

Victoria shook her head, conflicted, “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 sense, canceling at the last minute.”

By the end, Victoria’s expression held a hint of frustration. “I've run out of options, so I had to come to you.”

The more Arthur listened, the tighter his brow furrowed. “You want me to intervene? That’s out of the question; it would blow our cover.”

“But...”

If she didn’t find a solution soon, she feared for her mother’s wellbeing.

If it weren’t 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 danger.

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

Victoria was puzzled. “Really? Wasn’t it you who told me to keep a low profile and avoid contact with the Ellingtons? And now you suggest otherwise?”

Arthur left without explaining, leaving behind a cryptic, “The time is right,” before walking away.

Victoria watched his retreating figure, mumbling, “What time is right? Why is the War God so cryptic today?”

...