The Million-Dollar Heart

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 come for me." The man cast her a nonchalant glance, his voice sharp as ice. "Foolish!"

"I was careless this time. I didn't expect Vivienne to be so formidable. After all this time in 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 I want ready?"

"It will take time!"

His face darkened immediately.

and Percival are scouring the city for me. I can't expose myself yet. Arrange a place

to regard her in

assured, I've found the research direction. I'm planning an upgraded version of ST-1 with a few

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

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

was about forever ensnaring men with her beauty.

man but never bore a child to

spoke coolly, "Make sure it's so. I have no use for worthless

along his jawline, her voice a seductive spell, "Do you find

Samantha, who was clad in the silk lace nightgown he had chosen for her. The neckline plunged

at last, he reacted. He gripped Samantha's head, his kiss fierce. She winced,

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

hours later,

your skills... they improve, little temptress, but don't seduce

smiled. "As long as you're pleased. In time, you'll savor

to defy age as well. Thankfully,

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

man pinched her cheek. "Your new place is arranged. Stay put, and don't

Samantha nodded, "I only

word, he turned and

watched his retreat, lips curling. Such a carnivore, devouring the 'meal' and then forgetting

At Rivenwood

Willa was there, tirelessly tending

Karen, Vivienne's