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 cout 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 chin 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 tto 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 strouble 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 blon 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 tof 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 "UE “Hmph, you can’t handle a country girl, and you expectto trust you with my daughter?” Patrick complained.

Eliza quickly tried to smooth things over, “Con, 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?” “Of course, we have our ways. Don’t worry about it.” Satisfied with Eliza's assurance, Patrick did not press further. Ultimately, all that mattered was sealing the engagement between the Boyd and the Ashford families.

“If you mess this up, you'll haveto answer to!” With that, Patrick hung up.

Eliza sighed heavily after the call ended.

Beside her, Mara expressed her concern, “Auntie, you promised Patrick just like that? But Grandma is still unconscious, and where are we going to host this engagement party? Plus, I'm sure my brother won't agree.” Eliza clenched her phone tightly. Between dealing with Wendy's situation, the online PR, and now getting a ticking off from Patrick, she was at her wit’s end.

“Cecilia, this is all your amazing son and daughter-in-law’s fault. You piece of useless trash. All you do is cause trouble to our family. If only | had married into the Ellington family, none of this would be happening,” Eliza cursed inwardly, blaming her sister for the family’s troubles. To Mara, she maintained a serene facade, saying, “Don’t worry, I’ve got it covered. You'll helpwhen the tcomes, okay?” Mara nodded firmly, “Of course, Auntie. Whatever you need, just letknow. | won't let you down.” Five days later, Percival received a call from Eliza.

“Percival, your grandmother's been discharged. Don’t you want to csee her?” Eliza inquired.

Percival was out shopping with Vivienne and responded coolly, “No.” “| figured as much. But there’s a business dinner tonight. Your grandma can’t attend, and our partners insist on meeting you. Can you represent us? Sattendees have ties to the Ellington Group, and | can’t really turn them down. So...” Percival smirked and handed the jeweler’s flagship necklace to the clerk to wrap up, “Fine, I'll be there tonight.” “Great. Remember the thing | gave you a few days ago? Bring it, and leave Vivienne at home. We don’t want any drama with your uncles seeing her,” Eliza cautioned before hanging up.

Percival pocketed his phone and the necklace, then went to find Vivienne, who was choosing a restaurant upstairs.

Tired from shopping, Vivienne was starving. Seeing Percival finish his call, she pointed to a sauerkraut fish restaurant above. “Mr. Wolf, let's have fish.” Percival nodded. “Sure, eat up. We'll have dinner late tonight.” Vivienne raised an eyebrow. “Okay, let's feast.” A good meal now meant they could enjoy their evening even more.

That night, the Boyd family held the banquet at Sea City’s largest hotel—the Bright City Inn.

The last tany event was held here was the twin daughters’ first-month celebration of Yuri and Zelda.

Mara and Margot stood at the entrance, greeting the arriving guests.

Margot was slightly resentful. “Why do we have to stand here? It's so annoying.” Mara, being only days older than Margot, did not get along with her cousin; sometimes, they could not even keep up appearances.

“Just stand there if you're told to. Why all the fuss?” Mara gave her a sharp look.

Margot scoffed. “Percival’s lackey, just wait till he learns what's really going down tonight. Let's see if you can still call him ‘brother’ then.”Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates...

“I'd rather be acknowledged as his sister than be invisible to him, like you.” “You!” Just as they were about to have at it, Eliza intervened, “Zip it, both of you! Do you want to be the evening's entertainment? Keep your eyes peeled, and don’t let Vivienne sneak in. If you mess up tonight's engagement party, I'll make you regret it!” The bickering ceased as Mara and Margot sullenly took their posts by the door.

Before long, Patrick and Gillian arrived.

Clad in a pristine strapless mermaid gown, Gillian exuded regal grace that highlighted her swan-like neck. Her delicate princess up-do added a charming touch.

Mara rushed to greet her, “Gillian, you look absolutely stunning tonight. It's true what they say: brides-to-be are the most beautiful beings on earth.” Gillian blushed and giggled. “Oh, Mara, you're such a flatterer.” “Not at all. I'm genuinely envious,” Mara replied as she escorted Gillian into the banquet hall, leaving Margot to stew alone in the chilly night air.

Margot was fuming with resentment. If only she had realized Gillian’s significance back in the day, Mara would never have becher confidante. It was utterly infuriating.

Eliza, too, entered the banquet hall with Patrick, leaving Margot to her own devices.

“Hmph, go ahead with your little engagement,” Margot muttered venomously. “Once my brother turns his courtship with Gillian into a fait accompli, I'd love to see you try to get engaged then!” She sneered and, after casually instructing a passing waiter to guard the door, she skulked off to find a quiet corner to slack off.