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?”

we have our ways.

assurance, Patrick did not press further. Ultimately, all that

you’ll have me to answer

Patrick hung

heavily after the

concern, “Auntie, you promised Patrick just like that? But Grandma is still unconscious, and where are we going to host this engagement party? Plus, I’m sure my brother

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

you do is cause trouble to our family. If 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,

course, Auntie. Whatever you need, just let me know.

…

later, Percival received a call from

you want to come see her?”

was out shopping with Vivienne and responded coolly,

figured as much. But there’s a business dinner tonight. Your grandma can’t attend, and our partners insist on meeting you. Can

the clerk to wrap up, “Fine, I’ll be

Vivienne at home. We don’t want any drama with your uncles seeing her,” Eliza cautioned before hanging

phone and the necklace, then went to find Vivienne,

she pointed to a sauerkraut

nodded. “Sure, eat up. We’ll

eyebrow. “Okay, let’s

meal now meant they could enjoy their

held the banquet at Sea City’s

was held here was the twin

Margot stood at the entrance, greeting the

do we have to

Margot, did not get along with her cousin; sometimes,

if you’re told to. Why all

Let’s see if you