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

marred her face, and her eyes were

neatly pinned-up hair was now a damp

Gillian’s state,

fairy princess; that’s a

off a wave of laughter that rippled through the

stood up, and wanted to ask Percival why he had pushed her, causing her

hoping to

Gillian regained her footing, she saw Percival walking towards Vivienne

others in the pool followed

Heavens!

goddess if

was that other

with her hair simply

a moment, everyone seemed to forget to

understood why Percival had ignored

by his side, how could he

princess! She’s so beautiful! Can I marry

and turned to the boy

started to whimper, “Mommy, the mean man took my

is my bride!” Percival declared

just a little

then,” Percival said as he wrapped his arm

is my Vivienne, off-limits to all!” He

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

again, I will no longer acknowledge you as my

word, Percival left with

swimming was

many perverts

harsh words from Percival. Panicked, she

bit her lip, her resentment towards Vivienne

brother; why else would he disown his own

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