The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Wendy froze, disbelief etched across her face as Eliza’s words sank in.

With a swift motion, Eliza grabbed a decorative pillow from the couch and pressed it against Wendy’s face.

As she bore down with all her might, Eliza hissed, “Just so you know, every single present you’ve ever received was bought by Cecilia. I was merely the delivery girl. And every mistake? That was all me. But Cecilia, with her hapless, tender heart, took the fall every time. Before you kicked her out for the last time, she left you a sum of money. Guess what? I pocketed that with a laugh.

Mom, so why don’t you just go ahead and die? Once you’re gone, I’ll have the perfect excuse to worm into the Ellington family’s graces to get close to Nathan. Cecilia’s a soft touch; she’ll surely take me in, right?

Your existence is nothing but a burden to me. Better you’re dead so that I can squeeze out one last benefit. Don’t worry, I’ll get the Boyd family’s signet ring and raise our name from the ashes.”

Wendy struggled briefly beneath the pillow but soon fell still.

She had died at the hands of the daughter she had cherished all her life.

Eliza let out a slow breath, dragged Wendy’s body into the bedroom, and staged the scene to look like an accidental death.

Then, pulling out her phone, she dialed Vivienne.

Meanwhile, Vivienne answered the call, her gaze still fixed on the computer screen, which displayed Eliza’s malicious face.

“Ms. Hawthorn, it’s Eliza,” the voice on the line said.

Vivienne reclined against the sofa, lazily stretching her legs onto the coffee table. “Mrs. Watson, something I can do for you?”

Eliza despised the way Vivienne called her by her name. If only she had married Nathan back then, Vivienne would have to respectfully address her as “Mom.”

She was a hundred times better than Cecilia, yet Nathan only had eyes for that fool!

Eliza had been simmering with resentment for years, dreaming of the day she would replace Cecilia and become Nathan’s wife.

Eliza steadied her voice, “Ms. Hawthorn, I know you’ve got beef with the Boyds, but karma’s caught up with them now. I’m calling you today because there’s something else.”

chuckled. “So, what’s

continued, “The authorities have just taken in my brothers, and my mom…

broke into a sob, “Is Percival with you? Can he let Cecilia know to come back

performance worthy of

milk, a smirk tugging at

mother had such acting skills when she was caught eating spicy snacks while pregnant

took the phone and said, “I’ll be there on

that, he hung up, tired of the wailing that was ruining

as the dial tone echoed, and a flicker of resentment crossed her eyes. They

Wendy was Cecilia’s mother!

Cecilia come to the funeral; only then could she see Nathan. If Percival would not pass

notice from Eliza. Tapping a few times, she

had intercepted her text, and she

Eliza began to prepare for

funeral, notables from Sea City gathered alongside the Boyds’ extended family. Despite

at the entrance in mourning attire, eagerly awaiting Nathan’s arrival. She had not seen him in over two decades and wondered how he had aged. Knowing

none. Instead,

grandmother’s funeral; how could they be so

acted, the better for her. And

had replied that she would attend

One funeral, two birds.

Eliza advanced, offering a bouquet. “Percival, pay respects to your grandma. She won’t hold

made a token gesture. It was plain to see their hearts were not

not bear to watch. Regardless of the circumstances, this was a funeral, and they

for heaven’s sake, that was your grandmother,” someone in the crowd admonished, a hint of disbelief in their

chorus of agreement followed, voices

least you could do. Can’t you even pretend

unworthy of