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 briefly passing over his

his egg onto her plate, now covered in a rich

he teased, playfully nudging her

“Quality protein for the swim

in agreement. “Indeed, swimming is quite

smile, their connection beyond

…

pulled up to

“I didn’t get a chance to

greeted her with a polite smile,

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

was lost on the discerning eyes of

replied, maintaining

Mara and Vivienne headed to the ladies changing

bustling. In the children’s section, coaches were already

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

it was separated from the general area by a mere divider,

of Vivienne or Mara, Percival sipped his juice,

followed by

that teased the imagination. Her hair

in awe, “Wow, she looks like a fairy princess, so

still looking at his phone. The person on his

this enchanting newcomer as she approached

and women—such goddesses were always

absorbed in his phone, finally glanced up at

slightly, indifferent.

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 Mara from the design

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

the heiress of the affluent Ashford

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