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.

lifeguard pulled Gillian out of the pool, her makeup smeared from the struggle

face, and her eyes were

neatly pinned-up hair was now a damp mess over her

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

fairy princess; that’s

off a wave of laughter that

to ask Percival why

hours getting ready, hoping to present

her footing, she saw Percival walking towards Vivienne in

in the pool followed his

Heavens!

that was a goddess if there ever

other woman

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

seemed to

why Percival had ignored

Vivienne by his side, how could he

a fairy princess! She’s so beautiful! Can I

turned to the boy with a warning look.

to whimper, “Mommy,

is my bride!” Percival

sighed, “Mr. Wolf, he’s just a little boy under

arm around Vivienne’s

my Vivienne, off-limits to all!”

you handle a jealous husband? Need advice,

again, I will no longer acknowledge

word, Percival left with

to come swimming was his biggest

many perverts

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

her resentment towards Vivienne growing

have bewitched her brother; why else would he disown his own

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