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.

pool, her makeup smeared

marred her face, and her eyes

hair was now a damp mess over

kid came over, saw Gillian’s state, and

fairy princess; that’s

wave of laughter

and wanted to ask Percival why he had pushed her,

hours getting ready, hoping to present her most perfect self to Percival,

footing, she saw Percival walking towards

the pool

Heavens!

that was a goddess if there ever

was that other woman by

the most ordinary and common swimsuit, with her hair simply tied back, exuded

seemed

why

his side, how could he

She’s so beautiful! Can I marry you when I grow up? I promise to be good to you

and turned to the boy with a warning look.

whimper, “Mommy, the mean man

is my bride!” Percival declared

sighed, “Mr. Wolf, he’s just a little

his arm around Vivienne’s shoulders and draped his towel

Vivienne, off-limits

do you handle a jealous husband? Need advice,

this happens again, I will no longer acknowledge you as my

another word, Percival left

come swimming was his biggest

many perverts

harsh words from Percival. Panicked, she explained, but Percival and Vivienne had already

her

brother; why else would he

my brother’s side and make sure you don’t ruin the Boyd family’s plans or