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.

the pool, her makeup smeared from the struggle

her face, and her eyes were panda-like from the

was now a damp mess over

over, saw Gillian’s state, and burst into laughter on the

no fairy princess; that’s

wave of laughter that rippled through

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

ready, hoping to present her most perfect self to

her footing, she saw Percival walking towards

others in the pool

Heavens!

was a goddess if there ever was

that other

the most ordinary and common swimsuit, with her hair simply

a moment, everyone seemed to forget to

why Percival

by his side, how could he notice anyone

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

the boy

aback, started to whimper, “Mommy, the

is my bride!” Percival declared once

he’s just

said as he wrapped his arm around Vivienne’s shoulders and draped his towel

off-limits to all!” He

wanted to say, “ How do you handle a jealous husband?

Mara coldly, “If this happens again, I will no

another word, Percival left with

to come swimming was

perverts

Panicked, she explained,

her resentment towards

have bewitched her brother; why else

you away from my brother’s side and make sure you don’t ruin the Boyd family’s