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.

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

swimming is

a knowing smile, their connection beyond

hour later, they pulled up to the poolside, with

"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

she wouldn't let me. She said when we met, I should ask

Vivienne replied, maintaining

the ladies changing room while Percival waited by

the venue was bustling. In the

his VIP pool card, Percival lounged in an exclusive area, a spread

not isolated; it was separated from the general area by a mere divider, allowing for a lively atmosphere. There was, however, a private pool

sign of Vivienne or Mara,

through the air, followed by a collective gasp from the

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

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

were on this enchanting newcomer as she

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

in his phone, finally

slightly, indifferent.

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 from

encounter, although the name Gillian did ring