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 the

the family would be secure. If Wendy’s health declined, her greedy

better to help

first to protest, “All that money, and you just want to give it away? Do you think money grows

all for treating Mom, but

by one, Wendy’s grandchildren

who remained silent, the rest quarreled, their faces

said, “Let’s discuss this outside. Don’t disturb Mom’s

the

an hour later, somehow, Eliza had persuaded everyone.

Three days later.

yacht party

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

the recent scandal involving Gillian, the turnout was

that the Ashfords controlled Sea City’s most lucrative projects. Not to mention,

want a piece

with guests, all smiles and discreetly sizing up Gillian

planned to use this event to showcase her talents and overshadow

had worked; many men were still loyally

she maintained her status, she would never

could gloat in front of Vivienne

redeem herself, marry into wealth, and

among old friends, who, keen on maintaining ties

all

making the rounds, Percival

envy as she spotted them holding hands

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

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

or not, she had to make

playing the long game, and there would undoubtedly be opportunities

a deep breath, picked up her glass, and approached Percival

with a faint

Percival and Vivienne would surely not

do you want?”

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

bowed her head slightly, her face

onlookers, it was the

eyes. “I don’t

he prepared

angry with me?” Gillian raised her voice slightly, drawing the attention of

it would be a slap in the face to the Ashford family in front