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.

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

"Indeed, swimming is quite

smile, their connection beyond

hour later, they pulled up to the poolside, with Mara

get a chance to properly introduce myself yesterday. I'm Mara Boyd,

on social media, but she wouldn't let me. She said when we met, I should ask you myself." Mara gazed at Vivienne

Vivienne replied, maintaining her

the ladies changing room while Percival waited

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

pool card, Percival lounged in an exclusive area, a spread of fresh fruits and snacks at

a mere divider, allowing for a lively

of Vivienne or Mara, Percival sipped his juice,

followed by a collective gasp from

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

beautiful." Percival, however, was still looking at his phone. The person

enchanting newcomer as she approached the

onlookers, both men and women-such goddesses were always destined for

his phone, finally glanced up at the

slightly, indifferent. "This seat is

me? I'm Gillian Ashford, Mara's close friend. You've seen

surveyed her, failing to recall their past encounter,