The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

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.

darkened, a chill briefly passing over

his egg onto her plate, now covered in a rich smear

wondering why you’re stealing my egg,” he teased, playfully nudging her nose,

few bites. “Quality protein for the

in agreement. “Indeed, swimming is quite the energy

shared a knowing smile, their connection

…

to the poolside, with

arms with Vivienne affectionately. “I didn’t get

greeted her with a polite smile, “Hello,

to add you on

on the discerning eyes of Vivienne, who could see through people

Vivienne replied,

pool complex, Mara and Vivienne headed to the ladies changing room

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

area, a spread of fresh fruits

a mere divider, allowing

of Vivienne or Mara,

through the air, followed by a collective gasp from the

a sheer shawl that teased the imagination. Her hair was neatly pinned, accentuating her

play, whispering in awe, “Wow, she looks like a fairy princess,

at his phone. The person on his chat background was his only

were on this enchanting newcomer as she

both men and women—such goddesses were always destined

his phone, finally glanced up

indifferent.

woman looked at him 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

to recall their past encounter, although the name Gillian

heiress of the

the lady Wendy was adamant that he marry.Books Chapters Are