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 ways. Don’t worry

with Eliza’s assurance, Patrick did not press further. Ultimately, all that mattered was sealing the

you’ll have me to

Patrick

heavily after the

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 wit’s

piece of useless trash. All 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

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

…

received a

been discharged. Don’t you want to come

with Vivienne and responded

you. Can you represent us? Some attendees

the clerk to wrap up, “Fine, I’ll

thing I gave you a few days ago? Bring it, and leave Vivienne at home. We don’t want any drama with your uncles seeing her,”

necklace, then went to find Vivienne, who was choosing a restaurant

finish his call, she

eat up. We’ll have

an eyebrow. “Okay, let’s

they could enjoy their

family held the banquet at Sea City’s largest hotel—the

was held here was the

stood at the entrance, greeting

slightly resentful. “Why do we have to

not get along with her cousin; sometimes, they could not even keep up

there if you’re told to. Why all the fuss?” Mara gave her a

see if you can still call him