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 sbusiness 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 | can’t decide on my own. | need your opinion,” Wendy said, giving Eliza a knowing look.

x] 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. | don’t know if | 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! After a long pause, Eliza finally said, “Do it! No matter the cost, we should do the treatment!” With Wendy in good health, Eliza’s future in the family would be secure. If Wendy's health declined, her greedy in-laws would surely abandon her.

It was better to help Wendy now.

“Are you out of your mind?” Nancy was the first to protest, “All that money, and you just want to give it away? Do you think money grows on trees? | disagree!” Teresa also voiced her opposition. “I'm all for treating Mom, but that’s just too much money.” Then, one by one, Wendy's grandchildren joined in the opposition.

Except for Theodore and Hayden, who remained silent, the rest quarreled, their faces red with anger.

Eliza, face cold, said, “Let's discuss this outside. Don't disturb Mom's rest!” With that, she led the way to the living room.

Half an hour later, somehow, Eliza had persuaded everyone. They all agreed.

Three days later.

The Ashford family’s annual yacht party went ahead as planned.

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

Despite the recent scandal involving Gillian, the turnout was impressive.

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

Who would not want a piece of that pie? The yacht was abuzz with guests, all smiles and discreetly sizing up Gillian as she stayed close to Patrick.

Gillian planned to use this event to showcase her talents and overshadow her past negative reputation.

Her previous manipulations had worked; many men were still loyally vying for her attention, even proposing fair competition.

Gillian knew that as long as she maintained her status, she would never sink into the mire.

If she could regain her former glory tonight, she could gloat in front of Vivienne and earn Percival’s respect! She was determined to redeem herself, marry into wealth, and destroy Vivienne! Patrick mingled with Gillian among old friends, who, keen on maintaining ties with the Ashfords, lavished praise on Gillian’s supposed virtues.

It was all an unspoken understanding.

After making the rounds, Percival arrived with Vivienne in tow.

Gillian’s eyes flashed with envy as she spotted them holding hands tightly.

Patrick warned in a low voice, “Remember what | told you? No more scheming after Percival—at least not now.” “I know, you've been drilling it intofor days. You wantto apologize to Vivienne, right? Ill go right now.” Gillian bit her lip, her eyes filled with reluctant acceptance.

But reluctant or not, she had to make that apology today.

She was playing the long game, and there would undoubtedly be opportunities in the future.

Gillian took a deep breath, picked up her glass, and approached Percival and Vivienne.

“Mr. Ellington, Ms. Hawthorn,” Gillian greeted them with a faint smile. “Long tno see.” Given that it was an Ashford event, Percival and Vivienne would surely not snub her.

“What do you want?” Vivienne inquired.

“Ms. Hawthorn, I've cto apologize to you and Mr. Ellington. | was foolish before. Please forgive my past indiscretions. From now on, | truly view Mr. Ellington as nothing more than a brother and will harbor no inappropriate thoughts. | won't intrude upon your relationship anymore.” Gillian bowed her head slightly, her face the picture of contrition.

To onlookers, it was the epitof sincerity.

Percival narrowed his eyes. “I don’t need a sister.” With that, he prepared to leave with Vivienne.

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

Percival knew that if he did not respond now, it would be a slap in the face to the Ashford family in front of everyone.

But what of it? Without uttering a word, he took Vivienne by the hand, and they made their way through the crowd, leaving Gillian behind.Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates...

Gillian had not expected Percival to snub her so completely, to not even put on a show of politeness.

She felt like a fool, left standing there while others snickered behind their hands.

Her affection for Percival had soured, transforming into something else.

Now, her desire to marry him was not just about the initial spark of attraction but more about the challenge of making him fall at her feet. Just like those lapdogs that hung on her every word! She was determined to see just how long Percival could hold out.

“Ms. Ashford, don’t bother with him. A man who doesn’t appreciate your worth doesn’t deserve your time,” ca voice.

Startled, Gillian turned to find Yannick standing there, Mara’s brother who had once pursued her as well.

She had had better prospects then and had not paid him much mind.

But now, wounded by Percival’s dismissal, she was ready for scomfort, so she engaged Yannick in conversation.

“Yannick, you always understoodbest,” Gillian said, her eyes demurely cast down in a wounded expression.

“Don’t worry, Gillian. You'll always be the most important to me,” Yannick assured her as they each nursed a glass of wine in a quiet corner.

Meanwhile, Vivienne watched from a distance as Gillian and Yannick retreated together, a slow smile creeping across her lips. It seemed the night's entertainment was far from over.

Percival tapped his earpiece, which was barely visible, and said, “Husky, report.” “We're closing in on the target,” Leopold whistled casually, a coded signal for the special squad.

The whistle was meant for Thomas, who was lurking nearby, questioning whether to proceed with their plan.

Thomas responded with another whistle, signaling Leopold to hold his position.