The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Teresa wanted to speak up, but catching the stern look on Wendy’s face, she bit her tongue.

But she disagreed strongly.

This was 800 billion, not a measly 800 dollars. Sure, she wanted Wendy’s hand to heal, to make the Boyd family prosper. However, spending such an astronomical sum on a hand treatment seemed ludicrous.

Would that not be better if that money were split between their two families?

“Mom? What do we do now?” Theodore, coming to his senses, looked to Wendy for guidance.

He would have agreed without a second thought if it were a few hundred or a few million.

But 800 billion? He was much less inclined to spend that much on Wendy’s hand treatment.

If she recovered, fine. But it would be like throwing money down the drain if she did not.

Moreover, treating Wendy’s hand was supposed to benefit the Boyds, not drag them down.

Wendy hesitated, too.

This decision was a tough one.

It was then that Eliza hurried in.

As soon as she entered, she checked Wendy’s hand and cursed, “That Vivienne is a piece of work. How dare she do this to you? It’s despicable.”

She had been out handling some business for the Boyds yesterday and was not around. But she got a call from Wendy this morning detailing the situation, and without a second thought, she rushed over.

“You’re here just in time. There’s something I can’t decide on my own. I need your opinion,” Wendy said, giving Eliza a knowing look.

Eliza paused momentarily before Wendy added, “The Specter Healer claims he can fix my hand and my back, but his price is exorbitant—800 billion. I don’t know if I should go through with it.”

Eliza was stunned.

So much money for a treatment?

Of course, they could not agree!

But feeling Wendy’s expectant gaze, she wavered.

Wendy clearly wanted to get better, but the first and secondary branches of the family were sure to disagree. Her mother was too proud to plead. So, Wendy turned to her to voice the difficult choice.

But Eliza did not want to agree either!

long pause, Eliza finally said, “Do it! No matter the cost, we should do

good health, Eliza’s future in the family would be secure. If Wendy’s health

better to

“All that money, and you just want to give it away? Do you think money grows on trees? I

her opposition. “I’m all for treating Mom,

Wendy’s grandchildren joined

for Theodore and Hayden, who remained silent, the rest quarreled, their

“Let’s discuss this outside.

led the way to the

an hour later, somehow, Eliza

Three days later.

Ashford family’s annual yacht party went ahead

was tradition, ostensibly for family reunions, but also for networking and consolidating the family’s

scandal involving Gillian,

Ashfords controlled Sea City’s most lucrative projects. Not to mention, they were a powerhouse in the whole region

want a piece of that

abuzz with guests, all smiles and discreetly sizing up Gillian as she stayed close

to showcase her talents

had worked; many men were still loyally vying for her

as long as she maintained her status,

she could gloat in

to redeem herself, marry into wealth, and

on maintaining ties

was all

the rounds, Percival arrived with

eyes flashed with envy as

“Remember what I told you? No more scheming after Percival—at least

been drilling it into me for days. You want me to apologize to Vivienne, right? I’ll go right now.” Gillian bit her lip, her eyes filled with

had to make

playing the long game, and there would undoubtedly be opportunities in

up

Gillian greeted them with

Percival

you

and Mr. Ellington. I was foolish before. Please forgive my past indiscretions. From now on, I truly view Mr. Ellington as nothing more than a brother and will harbor no inappropriate thoughts. I won’t intrude upon your relationship

her face the picture

it was the

“I don’t need

prepared to

Ellington, are you still angry with me?” Gillian raised her voice slightly, drawing the attention of those around

if he did not respond now, it would be a slap in the face to the Ashford