Chapter 697


    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, finallying 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 shed 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. "| knew you''de for me."


    The man cast her a nonchnt nce, his voice sharp as ice. "Foolish!"


    "| was careless this time. | 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 vi 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!


    Alegend 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 exined, "I''ve just been rescued by you. Vivienne and Percival are scouring the city for me. | can''t expose


    myself yet. Arrange a ce for me to stay, and once things cool down, I''ll set up a newb."


    He continued to regard her in cold silence.


    “Rest assured, I''ve found the research direction. I''m nning 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. Some had since entered their graves. Others were mere


    lads of twenty.


    She had sampled every vor 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 baster fingers tracing lightly along his jawline, her voice a seductive spell, "Do you find me...


    useless?”


    He looked down at Samantha, who was d in the silkce nightgown he had chosen for her. The neckline plunged daringly,


    hinting at the treasures beneath.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    Her serpentine grace twisted upon him, and atst, he reacted. He gripped Samantha''s head, his kiss fierce. She winced, not a


    touch of Francis’ gentleness.


    ut... 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 hourster, 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 ny, she appeared no more than thirty. Yet, she was not content. She yearned to be forever eighteen.


    The man pinched her cheek. "Your new ce 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. Wi was there, tirelessly tending to her every need.


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