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.

disagree. Her mother was too proud to plead. So, Wendy

pause, Eliza finally said, "Do it! No matter the

future in the family would be secure. If Wendy's health declined, her greedy in-laws would surely abandon

to help Wendy

that money, and you just want to give it away? Do you think money grows on trees? I disagree!"

one by one, Wendy's grandchildren joined

for Theodore and Hayden, who remained silent, the rest quarreled,

discuss this outside. Don't disturb

the way to the

Eliza had persuaded

Three days later.

Ashford family's annual yacht party went ahead

was tradition, ostensibly for family reunions, but also for

involving Gillian, the turnout was

were a powerhouse in the whole region of Veridia.

was abuzz with guests, all smiles and discreetly

this event to showcase her talents

still loyally vying for her attention, even proposing fair

that as long as she maintained her status, she would never sink into the

glory tonight, she could

determined to redeem herself, marry into wealth, and

who, keen on maintaining ties with the Ashfords, lavished praise on Gillian's

all an

making the rounds, Percival arrived

with envy as she spotted them holding hands

in a low voice, "Remember what I told you? No

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

not, she had to

playing the long game, and there would undoubtedly be opportunities in the future. Gillian took a deep

see." Given that it was an Ashford event, Percival and Vivienne would surely not snub her. "What do you want?"

and Mr. Ellington. I was foolish 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