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!

said, “Do it! No matter the cost,

future in the family would be secure. If Wendy’s health declined, her greedy in-laws

better to help Wendy

of your mind?” Nancy was the first to protest, “All that money, and you just

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

one by one, Wendy’s

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

discuss

she led the way to the

hour later, somehow, Eliza had persuaded everyone.

Three days later.

family’s annual yacht party

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

recent scandal involving Gillian, the turnout was

City’s most lucrative projects. Not to mention, they were a powerhouse

a piece

discreetly sizing up Gillian as she stayed close

event to showcase her talents and overshadow her

previous manipulations had worked; many men were still loyally vying for her attention, even

her status, she

her former glory tonight, she could gloat in

redeem herself, marry into wealth, and

on maintaining

was all

the rounds, Percival

envy as she spotted them

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

apologize to Vivienne, right? I’ll go right now.” Gillian bit her lip, her eyes filled

she had to

game, and there would undoubtedly be

took a deep breath, picked up her

Ellington, Ms. Hawthorn,” Gillian greeted them with a faint smile. “Long time no

that it was an Ashford event, Percival and Vivienne

do you

foolish before. Please forgive my past indiscretions. From now on, I truly view Mr. Ellington

slightly, her face the

it was

narrowed his eyes. “I

he prepared

angry with me?” Gillian raised her voice

now, it would be a