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.

a chill

her plate, now covered in a rich smear of ketchup. “Mr. Wolf, what’s

he teased, playfully nudging her nose, the shadows in

a few bites. “Quality protein for the swim

swimming is quite the

a knowing smile, their connection beyond

…

they pulled up to the poolside, with Mara eagerly

arms with Vivienne affectionately. “I didn’t get a chance to properly introduce myself

with a polite smile, “Hello,

dying to add you on social media, but she wouldn’t let me. She said when

her excitement was lost on the discerning eyes of Vivienne, who could see through

replied,

headed to the

bustling. In the children’s section,

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

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

by without a sign of Vivienne or Mara,

air, followed by

from 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

their play, whispering in awe, “Wow,

looking at his phone. The person on his

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

among the onlookers, both men and women—such goddesses were always destined

finally

frowned slightly, indifferent.

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 when you picked

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

of the affluent Ashford

was adamant that he marry.Books Chapters Are