The Million-Dollar Heart

Vivienne had barely finished her tale when Percival, ever the considerate one, handed her an insulated travel mug. "Here, Vivienne, take a sip of water before you go on." He had never heard Vivienne talk so much at once; he didn't want her to wear herself out.

Gratefully, Vivienne accepted the mug, flashed him a quick smile, and took a drink before turning her gaze back to Samantha.

This time, she didn't continue. She simply waited for Samantha to speak.

Inside, Samantha felt as though her world had been turned upside down.

She thought that even if Vivienne had found her way here today, there was no way she could have known their true purpose. But, it turned out, Vivienne knew everything. Damn it!

How could she possibly have found out? This was a secret kept between her and Francis. No one else should have known.

Samantha remained silent for several minutes before finally speaking, "I just want to know how you figured it out."

She couldn't fathom it, couldn't accept it. She had lived her life as a mastermind, and now she was being outplayed by a little girl.

Even at ninety, Samantha was a genius, her learning ability astoundingly powerful. She had easily adapted to the high-tech era they were living in, swiftly integrating into modern life. She had always believed that with her mind, outwitting a young woman in her twenties would be a piece of cake.

Vivienne laughed, a radiant, almost blinding smile. "I guessed!"

She had truly guessed.

After the incident with the androids, she had pondered one thing: it had initially been her chasing F-Poison, but then she realized it was them chasing her. The enemy was in plain sight, yet she couldn't quite catch them.

So, the night before they found Ronald, she sequestered herself for an all-nighter. The whole night, she didn't sleep, connecting all the dots in her mind, replaying every event. Percival had done the same that night.

Waking up the next day, he was already waiting at her door. They exchanged a knowing smile, and everything became clear.

The only things they couldn't guess or uncover were the identity of the man secretly involved with Samantha and the mysterious, red-dressed woman who had appeared recently. Samantha nearly choked on her own fury, clutching at her chest as she protested, "I don't believe you!"

How could someone guess their way to this much information?

to believe it. Not one

genius. You don't have to believe it, but that doesn't

Leopold

it really the

Are you sure I'm just

Leopold jolted: No, you're

straw for Samantha;

so many years with such a low tolerance? They've been playing me for so long, I feel like my IQ has been dragged through the

a doting look in his eyes. "Well, from now on, we can step on them as we please, grind them into

spirit!"

to ask? I'm all ears. Before you bite

you find this place?" Samantha asked, her voice resigned. She couldn't understand how

was a computer. Didn't you know I'm

to know how you found this place. I used high-tech security and some old-school tricks

ordinary!" Vivienne

The room fell silent.

frustration, wanted to scream, but she knew she had to keep her

clock on the wall, half an hour had passed, and her

wouldn't come. Maybe there was no

and

that Vivienne had laid her cards on the table, there

M State, we encountered a woman in red. She was highly skilled, seemed to know some

Samantha's expression tightened.

shown up, too.

again. "I have no idea what

before she could release it, her wrist was caught in

handed the object she had been holding to Vivienne. It was a few grain-like items,

turned to Percival with a smile. "Mr. Wolf, these are quite the