The Million-Dollar Heart

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.

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

it! No matter the cost, we should

good health, Eliza's future in the family would be secure. If Wendy's health declined,

was better to help Wendy

Do you think money grows on trees? I disagree!" Teresa also voiced her opposition. "I'm all for treating Mom, but that's just

by one, Wendy's grandchildren joined

silent, the rest quarreled, their faces red with

"Let's discuss this outside. Don't disturb Mom's

led the way to the living

hour later, somehow, Eliza had persuaded everyone.

Three days later.

Ashford family's annual yacht party went ahead

also

scandal involving

were a powerhouse in the whole region of Veridia. Who would

abuzz with guests, all smiles and discreetly sizing up Gillian as she stayed close to

use this event to showcase her talents and

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

maintained her status, she

regain her former glory tonight, she could gloat in front of Vivienne and earn

determined to redeem herself, marry

old friends, who, keen on maintaining

all

making the rounds, Percival arrived with Vivienne

as

I told you? No more scheming after Percival-at least not

know, you've been drilling it into me for days. You want me to apologize to Vivienne, right? I'll

reluctant or not, she had to make

there would undoubtedly be opportunities in the future. Gillian took a deep breath,

Ms. Hawthorn," Gillian greeted them with a faint smile. "Long time no see." Given that it was an Ashford event, Percival

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 relationship