The Million-Dollar Heart

Oliver chuckled, a knowing smile spreading across his face. If Vivienne could uncover the secrets of the mysterious armor and
Ethan's shady dealings, how could she possibly fail to dig up Ramona's true identity?
"Right you are, it's Ramona. She's not actually my niece, but my own flesh and blood, my daughter," he revealed with a light
laugh. To the family and the world, he had claimed Ramona was the daughter of a distant cousin. But in truth, she was his own.
The love he held for Ramona's mother was unparalleled, the greatest of his life. Yet, he couldn't give Ramona's mother the
recognition she deserved. It wasn't that he didn't want to; he simply couldn't. Having led the Grimshaw clan for years, he knew all
too well the kind of people his family was made up of. His eldest son was selfish and narrow-minded. His second son, in Oliver's
eyes, was previously considered incompetent and petty. If they ever found out Ramona was his biological daughter, keeping her
alive would be a miracle.
But Ramona was exceptionally gifted, showing a natural talent for martial arts from a very young age. He found a perfect solution
by bringing her home under the guise of being his niece, ensuring she received the best of everything. However, his kindness
towards her seemed to irk others. In his absence, his eldest took it upon himself to cripple Ramona's martial ability and even
tasked her with getting close to Percival.
Upon discovering this, Oliver was furious, to the point where he considered ending his son's life. But he refrained, seeing his
eldest as no longer fit to lead the dynasty. Yet, as the proud heir of the Grimshaw lineage, his eldest son did save Oliver from
many troubles, so he spared him for the time being. Naturally, he didn't inform his son of Ramona's true parentage. If he did,
Ramona's life would be in immediate danger, and he wouldn't be able to retaliate against his own flesh and blood.
Thus, he played along with his son's scheme, allowing Ramona to follow his orders. Deep down, Oliver thought that Ramona
getting close to Percival might not be such a bad idea. If she could gain Percival's favor, perhaps that would be the best way to
keep her safe. Yet, he underestimated the bond between Percival and Vivienne, as solid as ever, making splitting them apart
seem more challenging than reaching the heavens.
Upon hearing Oliver's revelation, both Asher and Ethan cursed internally, frustrated with their father's manipulative tactics.
Especially Asher, who regretted not investigating further into Ramona's lineage. Had he known she was Oliver's biological
daughter, he would have taken a more drastic approach instead of merely crippling her. It became clear that Oliver had never
truly considered Asher a worthy successor. The irony of Oliver's feigned devotion to their mother, all while fathering illegitimate
children, wasn't lost on them. Yet, for Oliver, his treatment of Ramona stood out starkly against his disregard for his sons. At a
moment when the family's survival hung in the balance, Oliver chose to protect Ramona over his sons. This realization slightly
diminished Asher's resentment towards Ethan. After all, they were but pawns in a larger game.

"She'll live as long as she doesn't cross the line," Vivienne said indifferently, dismissing the notion of protecting Ramona for the
sake of Oliver's reputation.
Oliver sighed, "I know, and I'll talk to Ramona about her actions towards you. As for the matter of reputation... well, mine might
not carry enough weight, but what about your mother's?" Vivienne frowned, puzzled. "What do you mean?" When had her
mother ever interacted with the Grimshaws? She had never heard her mother mention them.
"Twenty-five years ago, I did your mother a good turn. She said if there ever came a day when I needed her help and she was
able, she would repay the favor," Oliver explained with a self-deprecating laugh. "Ironically, during a time when I was inclined
towards peace, I found your mother unconscious on the outskirts of the Grimshaw estate, starved and faint. I took her in for a
meal."
Looking at Vivienne, he continued, "From the first time I saw you, I guessed you were her daughter. You look so much alike.
Later investigations proved me right. But I never imagined she would be Jasper's daughter."
"I hadn't given much thought to that incident over the years, but now, with the Grimshaw family facing its darkest hour, I need to
call in that favor." Pausing, Oliver added, "Given your mother's current condition, you can't verify this story. It's up to you to
decide how to respond."
Without hesitation, Vivienne replied, "I believe you!"
Oliver was taken aback. "You do?" Her trust surprised him.
Vivienne nodded. "My mother mentioned once that a Grimshaw had shown her kindness. We don't like to be in anyone's debt."
But if Flynn had shown them
kindness, they would remember. The
favor Oliver had done for Karen,
before Vivienne was even born, was during a time Karen had escaped from GTO, penniless and pursued, until she collapsed in
the mountains from exhaustion.
Karen had told Vivienne about it when she was young, saying that if they ever encountered a Grimshaw who needed to call in
that favor, as long as it was within their power, they were obliged to return it. Oliver was somewhat surprised. "I thought it was
just a casual remark at the time. I didn't expect her to remember it for so many years."

Vivienne was not interested in prolonging the conversation. "The debt my mother owes, I'll repay. Should Ramona face any
trouble, I'll ensure her safety."
"Good!" Oliver exclaimed, satisfied with her answer. He then raised his voice, addressing the Grimshaw family, "Hear me well,
lay down your arms and submit to the law!"
After that, he turned to Ethan, "I
know you despise me, but you don't need to off me-my time's almost up anyway. But you-" Oliver looked away, his expression
unreadable, "You've stirred up a hornet's nest, mate. It's one thing for you to go down, but dragging your mum into this mess
too?" Content Belongs to
Ethan's face tightened, and he remained silent.
Oliver continued, "She's no part of the Grimshaw family drama. The mess you've made has nothing to do with her. Just hand
over whoever Vivienne and her lot are after, and I believe your mother will be left in peace."
Ethan paused for a moment before asking Vivienne and Percival, "Is that the case?"
Percival nodded, "Absolutely!"
After a moment's thought, Ethan said, "Alright, I'll hand over Samantha!" He gestured toward the backyard, "She's in the
basement under my room."
Vivienne exchanged a glance with Leopold, who nodded understandingly. He and Thomas, along with their group, went inside.
Vivienne then ordered, "Take all of the Grimshaw family members into custody."
With Oliver's decree, the Grimshaw family offered no resistance. Meanwhile, Leopold quickly brought Samantha out.
Seeing Vivienne, Samantha was
taken aback, "Vivienne? How did you
find me here? She was clueless
about the turmoil that had befallen,

the Grimshaw family. Just as she was engrossed in her quest for the elixir of life, her workshop was stormed by a group of
people who subdued her. Normally, they wouldn't stand a chance against her, but ever since Vivienne had grievously wounded
her, Samantha hadn't fully recovered, making her no match for them.