The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Gillian bit her lower lip hard. It took a moment before she could regain her composure.

She had heard rumors that Percival was not interested in women, and she figured he might just be a bit of a straightforward guy. That did not bother her.

“Mr. Ellington, since you’re here, let’s take a few laps in the pool. Mara is probably going to take her sweet time getting ready. She’s always dragging her feet when it comes to dressing up,” Gillian said as she stood up and walked over to Percival.

Without even lifting his head, Percival could see the two long, pale legs before him.

Percival stood up, towering over the 5’5″ Gillian, making her look even more petite and endearing.

Gillian took a few deep breaths, looked at Percival’s imposing figure, blushed, and said, “Mr. Ellington, shall we swim together?”

Inside the changing room, Vivienne watched as Mara obsessively scrolled through photos on her phone, all the paintings she wanted to discuss.

Vivienne raised an eyebrow and smirked slightly at Mara.

Checking the time, Vivienne stood up and covered Mara’s phone with her hand. “Let’s head to the pool.”

Feeling it was about time, Mara nodded. “Alright, let’s go.”

“Ha, Vivienne, just wait until you see Gillian swimming with my brother. You’ll be green with envy!” She thought.

As they exited the changing room, they were startled by a loud splash from the VIP pool!

A woman had fallen into the VIP pool, and a shimmering silk shawl fluttered in the air above her.

Mara gasped, recognizing Gillian’s shawl.

What on earth had happened?

Vivienne chuckled softly and whispered into Mara’s ear, “Satisfied?”

With that, she walked towards Percival.

Mara stood rooted to the spot, shivering as she recalled yesterday’s dreadful scene at the Boyd Mansion. Her fear deepened.

This Vivienne… She could really be something else…

Terrifying.

out of the pool, her makeup smeared

and her eyes

was now

came over, saw Gillian’s state, and burst into

no fairy princess; that’s a

set off a wave of laughter that rippled

had never been so embarrassed. She coughed, stood up, and wanted to ask Percival why he had pushed her, causing her to slip

hours getting ready, hoping to present her most perfect self

regained her footing, she saw Percival walking towards Vivienne in the

the pool followed his

Heavens!

that was a goddess if

was that other woman by

ordinary and common swimsuit, with her hair simply tied back,

seemed to forget to

why

Vivienne by his side, how could he notice

who mocked Gillian exclaimed, “Now that’s a fairy princess! She’s so beautiful! Can I marry you when I grow up? I

the boy with

taken aback, started to whimper, “Mommy, the mean man

bride!” Percival

Wolf, he’s just a little boy under

arm around Vivienne’s shoulders and draped his towel around

off-limits to all!” He declared

do you handle a jealous husband? Need advice, pretty

happens again, I will no longer acknowledge you as my

Percival left

to come swimming

many perverts around

she explained,

her resentment towards Vivienne growing

bewitched her brother; why else

make sure you don’t ruin the Boyd family’s