The Million-Dollar Heart

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 same one 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 time with your meal. I 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 Vivienne 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.

why you're stealing my egg," he teased, playfully nudging her nose, the shadows in his eyes lifting. Vivienne

swimming is quite

smile, their connection

hour later, they pulled up to the poolside,

didn't get a chance to properly introduce myself yesterday. I'm Mara Boyd, just Mara is fine." Vivienne greeted her with

add you on social media, but she wouldn't let me. She said when we met, I should

replied, maintaining

pool complex, Mara and Vivienne headed to the

was bustling. In the children's section, coaches were already guiding the

Percival lounged in an exclusive area, a spread

was not isolated; it was separated from the general area by a mere divider, allowing for a lively

a sign of Vivienne or Mara, Percival sipped his

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

teased the imagination. Her hair was neatly pinned, accentuating her graceful neck, and her long legs caught

"Wow, she looks like a fairy princess, so beautiful." Percival, however, was still looking at his phone. The person on his chat background was

were on this enchanting newcomer as

onlookers, both men and women-such goddesses were always

in his phone, finally

frowned slightly, indifferent. "This

mix of surprise and hurt. "Mr. Ellington, don't you remember me? I'm Gillian Ashford, Mara's close friend. You've seen me before when you picked up Mara

recall their past encounter,