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

her face, and her eyes

was now a damp mess

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

fairy princess;

of laughter that rippled through

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

ready, hoping to present her

her footing, she saw Percival walking towards Vivienne in

in the pool followed his

Heavens!

goddess if there

was that other woman

common swimsuit, with her hair simply tied back, exuded

everyone seemed to

why

like Vivienne by his side, how could he notice anyone

princess! She’s so beautiful! Can

Vivienne’s hand and turned to the boy

aback, started to whimper, “Mommy,

bride!” Percival declared

just a

his arm around Vivienne’s shoulders and draped his towel around

off-limits to

do you handle a

Mara coldly, “If this happens again, I will no longer acknowledge you

Percival left with

to come swimming

perverts around

Percival. Panicked, she explained, but Percival and

bit her lip, her resentment towards

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

from my brother’s side and make sure you