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.

he teased, playfully nudging her

agreement. "Indeed, swimming is

smile, their

to the poolside, with Mara eagerly

squeezed in between them, linking arms with Vivienne affectionately. "I didn't get a chance to properly introduce myself yesterday. I'm

let me. She said when we met, I should ask you myself." Mara gazed at Vivienne with admiration, though her excitement was lost on the discerning eyes of Vivienne, who

replied, maintaining

the pool complex, Mara and Vivienne headed to the ladies changing room while Percival waited by the

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

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

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

by without a sign of Vivienne or Mara, Percival sipped

through the air, followed by a

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

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

were on this enchanting newcomer as she approached the VIP area, sitting

sank among the onlookers, both men and

finally glanced up

frowned slightly, indifferent.

"Mr. Ellington, don't you remember me? I'm Gillian Ashford, Mara's close

failing to recall their past encounter, although the name