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.

stealing my egg," he teased, playfully nudging her nose, the shadows in his eyes lifting. Vivienne polished off the egg in a few

agreement. "Indeed, swimming is quite

a knowing smile, their connection

hour later, they pulled up to

with Vivienne affectionately. "I didn't get a chance to properly introduce myself yesterday.

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

replied,

Mara and Vivienne headed to the ladies changing room while Percival waited

In the children's section, coaches were

lounged in an exclusive area, a spread of

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

a sign of Vivienne or Mara, Percival

cut through the air, followed by a

in a sheer shawl that teased the imagination. Her hair

like a fairy princess, so beautiful." Percival,

enchanting newcomer as she

and women-such goddesses were

phone, finally glanced up at

slightly, indifferent. "This seat is

remember me? I'm Gillian Ashford, Mara's close friend.

failing to recall their past encounter, although the