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

a rich smear of

teased, playfully nudging her nose,

few bites. “Quality protein for

agreement. “Indeed, swimming is quite the

knowing smile, their connection beyond

…

pulled up to the poolside, with

“I didn’t get a chance to properly introduce myself yesterday. I’m Mara Boyd, just Mara

greeted her with a

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 ask you

excitement was lost on the discerning

replied,

Vivienne headed to the ladies changing room while

In the children’s section, coaches were already guiding

his VIP pool card, Percival lounged in an exclusive area, a spread of fresh fruits and snacks at his

general area by a mere divider, allowing for a lively

by without a sign of Vivienne or Mara, Percival sipped his

air, followed by a collective gasp from

that teased the imagination. Her hair was neatly pinned, accentuating her graceful neck, and

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

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

this enchanting newcomer as she approached

men and women—such goddesses were

phone, finally glanced up at the

indifferent. “This seat

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 up Mara

recall their past encounter, although the name Gillian did ring a

heiress of

lady Wendy was adamant that he marry.Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for