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

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

he teased, playfully nudging her

in a few bites. “Quality protein for the

nodded in agreement. “Indeed, swimming is quite the

a knowing smile, their connection

…

pulled up to the poolside, with Mara eagerly awaiting

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

with a polite

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

admiration, though her excitement was lost on the

Vivienne replied, maintaining

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

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

area, a

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

time ticked by without a sign of Vivienne or Mara, Percival

cut through the air, followed by a collective gasp from the

sheer shawl that teased the imagination. Her hair was neatly

children paused their play, whispering in awe, “Wow, she looks

looking at his phone. The person on his

this enchanting newcomer as she approached the VIP

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

his phone, finally glanced up

slightly, indifferent. “This seat

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

encounter, although

Ashford, the heiress of the affluent

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