The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Patrick managed to soothe Gillian and retreated to his study to call the Boyd family.

Wendy had just come out of surgery and was still unconscious. The one who answered the call was Eliza.

“Hey, Patrick, what’s up?” Eliza greeted warmly.

But Patrick’s tone was icy cold. “Ms. Boyd, my daughter came home in tears today. Do you even have to ask what’s wrong?”

Eliza was taken aback. The Boyds were all at the hospital, swamped with managing the online PR crisis, with no time to worry about Gillian’s date with Percival or even Vivienne’s whereabouts.

Realizing the gravity of the situation from Patrick’s tone, she knew something major had happened.

“Listen, Patrick, I’m so sorry. That girl Vivienne caused some trouble with my mother today, and now we’re all at the hospital. What happened exactly? We can’t even get hold of Percival. Did that bitch Vivienne mess with Gillian again?”

Eliza’s casual use of harsh words was meant to defuse Patrick’s anger, pinning all the blame on Vivienne.

“What exactly is the deal with this Vivienne?” Patrick asked.

He had heard Gillian’s explanation but wanted to confirm the details for himself.

Eliza chuckled, “She’s just a country bumpkin who doesn’t know any better, eyeing Percival for his money. If she wasn’t somewhat pretty, Percival would not give her the time of day. Don’t worry. She’s not even close to being a match for our Gillian.”

Hearing Eliza speak so confidently reassured Patrick. It seemed there was a case of mistaken identity.

If it was that Vivienne, she certainly would not be after Percival for his money. After all, the inheritance left by Patrick’s boss was more than Percival could earn in lifetimes.

“Hmph, you can’t handle a country girl, and you expect me to trust you with my daughter?” Patrick complained.

Eliza quickly tried to smooth things over, “Come on, Patrick, we’re practically family. Don’t you trust us? Look, as soon as Mom is out of the hospital, we’re throwing an engagement party for Percival and Gillian. We’ll invite all the big shots from Sea City. How does that sound?”

Patrick narrowed his eyes, “Are you sure Percival will play ball and agree to the engagement?”

our

assurance, Patrick did not press further. Ultimately, all that mattered was sealing the engagement between the Boyd and the Ashford

you mess this up, you’ll have me to

that, Patrick

after the call

her, Mara expressed her concern, “Auntie, you promised Patrick just like that? But Grandma is still unconscious, and where are we going to

dealing with Wendy’s situation, the online PR, and now getting a ticking off from Patrick, she was at her

only I had married into the Ellington family, none of this would be happening,” Eliza cursed inwardly, blaming her sister for the family’s troubles. To Mara, she maintained a serene facade, saying, “Don’t worry, I’ve got it covered. You’ll help me when the time comes,

“Of course, Auntie. Whatever you need, just let me know. I won’t

…

received a

Don’t you want to come see her?”

shopping with Vivienne and

and our partners insist on meeting you.

flagship necklace to the clerk to wrap up, “Fine, I’ll be there

ago? Bring it, and leave Vivienne at home. We don’t want any drama with your uncles seeing her,” Eliza cautioned before hanging

the necklace, then went to find Vivienne, who

from shopping, Vivienne was starving. Seeing Percival finish his call, she pointed to a sauerkraut fish restaurant above. “Mr. Wolf, let’s have

up. We’ll have dinner late

raised an eyebrow. “Okay,

now meant they could enjoy their evening even

the banquet at Sea City’s largest

last time any event was held here was the

stood at the entrance, greeting

was slightly resentful. “Why do we have to

not get along with her

all the fuss?” Mara gave her

see if you can still call him ‘brother’ then.”Books Chapters