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.

my egg," he teased, playfully

nodded in agreement. "Indeed, swimming is quite the energy

knowing smile, their connection

up to the poolside, with Mara eagerly

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

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, I should ask you myself." Mara gazed at Vivienne with admiration,

replied, maintaining

headed to the ladies changing room while

being new, the venue was bustling. In the children's section,

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

separated from the general area by a mere divider, allowing for a lively atmosphere. There was, however, a private pool

Vivienne or Mara, Percival sipped his juice,

whistle cut through the air, followed by a collective

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

Percival, however, was still looking at his

on this enchanting newcomer as

sank among the onlookers, both men and women-such goddesses

his phone, finally

slightly, indifferent. "This seat is

with a 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

her, failing to recall their past encounter, although the name Gillian did ring