The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne savored the last bite of her soft-boiled egg, the yolk creamy and just the right amount of runny, a perfect morning indulgence.

With Juliet’s insights, the picture was becoming clearer—Maddox, Yuri, and Zelda were all of the complex Perez family puzzle pieces.

But who had the power to tamper with a paternity test? Among them, who did want her to be recognized as part of the Perez family? And then there was Willa.

Draven had messaged last night, his words still fresh in her mind: [The lab in Rivenwood was blown sky-high by someone named Willa.] That Willa had to be the sone entangled with the Perez family. The waters she was wading into were murky —and it was a tale not to be unraveled in a mere day or two.

“Miss, take your twith your meal. | have things to tend to,” Juliet said, having briefed Vivienne on the Perez family’s intricate dynamics. With that, she busied herself elsewhere, leaving more unsaid than spoken.

Vivienne understood Juliet’s position—all those years within the Perez family had taught her a great deal about discretion.

Percival’s phone buzzed. It was a call from Mara.

“Percival, you and the missus up yet?” “Yeah, what's up?” Percival inquired.

Mara chuckled. “How about a swim? My friend just opened a new pool, and we're all invited!” Percival switched the phone to speaker, looking to | for her take.

She nodded, indifferent to the location.

“Send over the address,” Percival said, seeing Vivienne's approval.

“Will do, see you soon!” Mara’s voice bubbled with excitement as she ended the call.

Percival’s expression darkened, a chill briefly passing over his features.

Vivienne slid his egg onto her plate, now covered in a rich smear of ketchup. “Mr. Wolf, what's on your mind?” “Just wondering why you're stealing my egg,” he teased, playfully nudging her nose, the shadows in his eyes lifting.

Vivienne polished off the egg in a few bites. “Quality protein for the swim ahead. Can't let it go to waste.” He nodded in agreement. “Indeed, swimming is quite the energy burner.” They shared a knowing smile, their connection beyond words.

An hour later, they pulled up to the poolside, with Mara eagerly awaiting them.

“Percival, sister-in-law!” Mara squeezed in between them, linking arms with Vivienne affectionately. “I didn’t get a chance to properly introduce myself yesterday. I'm Mara Boyd, just Mara is fine.” Vivienne greeted her with a polite smile, “Hello, I'm Vivienne.” “I know all about you! Auntie told me—perfumer Q and Master Eulalia. I've been dying to add you on social media, but she wouldn't let me. She said when we met, | should ask you myself.” Mara gazed at Vivienne with admiration, though her excitement was lost on the discerning eyes of Vivienne, who could see through people at a glance.

“Sure,” Vivienne replied, maintaining her composure.

Inside the pool complex, Mara and Vivienne headed to the ladies changing room while Percival waited by the pool.

Despite being new, the venue was bustling. In the children’s section, coaches were already guiding the young swimmers.

With his VIP pool card, Percival lounged in an exclusive area, a spread of fresh fruits and snacks at his disposal.

The VIP zone was not isolated; it was separated from the general area by a mere divider, allowing for a lively atmosphere. There was, however, a private pool for VIPs in another building.

As tticked by without a sign of Vivienne or Mara, Percival sipped his juice, patiently waiting.

Suddenly, a whistle cut through the air, followed by a collective gasp from the crowd.

Out from the women’s changing room emerged a stunning figure in a white bikini, her curves wrapped in a sheer shawl that teased the imagination. Her hair was neatly pinned, accentuating her graceful neck, and her long legs caught the light as she walked, her presence commanding attention.

The children paused their play, whispering in awe, “Wow, she looks like a fairy princess, so beautiful.” Percival, however, was still looking at his phone. The person on his chat background was his only princess.

All eyes were on this enchanting newcomer as she approached the VIP area, sitting beside Percival.

Hearts sank among the onlookers, both men and women—such goddesses were always destined for the gods.

Percival, absorbed in his phone, finally glanced up at the commotion.

He frowned slightly, indifferent. “This seat is taken.” The woman looked at him with a mix of surprise and hurt. “Mr. Ellington, don’t you remember me? I'm Gillian Ashford, Mara’s close friend. You've seenbefore when you picked up Mara from the design school.” Percival surveyed her, failing to recall their past encounter, although the nGillian did ring a bell.

Gillian Ashford, the heiress of the affluent Ashford family.

She was the lady Wendy was adamant that he marry.Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates...

She was also the proprietor of the local swimming club.

Percival withdrew his gaze, every strand of his hair radiating detachment. “I don’t recall.” Biting her lip coyly and casting her eyes downward, Gillian looked at the picture of vulnerability. “Mr. Ellington, it’s okay if you don’t remember me. We can get to know each other again. My nis Gillian.” Percival glanced at the delicate hand she extended towards him and looked up. “You've got lipstick on your teeth.” A few people in the VIP area could not help but snicker at his blunt remark.

Who would have thought Percival could be so tactless? Even if he felt the need to point it out, he could have done so quietly, sparing the lady's feelings.

And, of course, they did not expect someone to put on makeup for swimming. No matter how waterproof the products claimed to be, they would not stand a chance against a prolonged dip.

Gillian withdrew her hand in embarrassment and quickly grabbed a mirror to inspect herself.

There was no trace of lipstick; it was clear that Percival was just teasing her.

Setting down the mirror, she asked, “Mr. Ellington, why make such a joke?” Percival looked at her with an impassive face, “I got it wrong. You just have a big mouth.” Another round of laughter erupted from the crowd, and they could not bear to listen any longer. They started swimming away one by one, lest they run out of steam from all the laughter.