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.

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

finally said, "Do it! No matter the cost, we should do the

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

better to help

want to give it away? Do you think money grows on trees? I disagree!" Teresa also voiced

by one, Wendy's grandchildren joined in the

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

cold, said, "Let's discuss this outside. Don't disturb

that, she led the way to the living

somehow, Eliza had persuaded everyone. They all

Three days later.

yacht party

also for networking and consolidating

the recent scandal involving

Ashfords controlled Sea City's most lucrative projects. Not to mention, they were a powerhouse in the whole region of Veridia. Who would

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

to showcase her

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

as long as she maintained her status, she would

could regain her former glory tonight, she could

herself, marry

keen on maintaining ties with

was all an

the rounds, Percival arrived

as she spotted them

voice, "Remember what I told you? No more scheming after Percival-at least not

it into me for days. You want me to apologize to Vivienne, right? I'll go right now." Gillian

had

long game, and there would undoubtedly be opportunities in the future. Gillian took a deep breath, picked up her glass, and approached

a faint smile. "Long time no see." Given that it was an Ashford event, Percival and Vivienne would surely not snub her.

before. Please forgive my past indiscretions. From now on, I truly view Mr. Ellington as nothing more than a brother and