The Million-Dollar Heart

Eliza tucked the document into her purse, glancing at her mother, who was barely coherent in her haze. Other than Wendy, only she knew the true value of that document among the Boyds. With this, the Ashford and even the mighty Ellington family would be within reach. If only she could decipher the inscription on the family signet ring, a never-ending stream of wealth would follow. Nancy and Teresa, those dimwits, believed they had struck gold. Little did they know the Ashfords had stooped to collaborate with the Boyds solely for this document.

Eliza crept back to her room, ensuring the document was well hidden.

Meanwhile, agents from the IRS and other financial institutions burst into the Boyd Mansion. "Who's in charge of Boyd Group?" They demanded.

Theodore and Hayden stood up in unison. "We both are. What's the issue?"

"You're under investigation for tax evasion and embezzlement of state assets. You're coming with us!"

The sudden turn of events left the Boyds dumbfounded.

Before they had a chance to divvy up their new-found control over the family fortune, they were accused of stealing from the state?

Theodore and Hayden were still clueless about their alleged crimes even after they were handcuffed.

Teresa blocked the agents, pleading, "There must be some mistake. We've just taken over Boyd Group."

"We're arresting the legal representatives. There's no mistake. Step aside, or we'll take you in for Obstruction of Justice," an agent said, pushing Teresa away.

Quick to react, Nancy swiftly dragged Eliza out of her room. "You've got the wrong person. She's the legal representative of Boyd Group!"

Having overheard everything from upstairs, Eliza knew Boyd Group must have been set up. Shoving Nancy away, she retorted, "I don't have a single share to my name. Didn't you all take them? What's this go to do with me?"

Just then, Patrick sauntered in from outside, smirking at the chaos in the Boyd Mansion.

Teresa realized they had fallen into Patrick's

they thought that if only they had not been so greedy, Eliza and Wendy would be the ones

contracts. It has nothing to do with us. Please, let them take Eliza instead,"

past them. "One of you tried to blackmail me using my daughter, and the other sent her daughter to infiltrate my family. You think I don't know your schemes? Instead of begging

taken away, the Boyd Mansion plummeted from paradise to

scrambling for news or securing

that was clamorous moments ago was now

the patriarch's seat, observing Eliza with her battered face.

relieved you're okay. I wanted to bring Gillian home, but as you see, I'm powerless," Eliza said,

missing her chance to marry into wealth because of Nathan. Now a widow, her allure was

he caressed her bruised cheek. "Eliza, I remember asking you out when I first moved to Sea City, but you were too busy for

clung to him. "Patrick, my ex-husband harassed me so much; I didn't even know you sought

needed to charm him and find Vivienne for the signet ring, and then she could look for Nathan in Rivenwood! Patrick's eyes narrowed; he tightened his grip, tossing

her throat, his voice venomous. "Eliza, the 800 billion you siphoned from Ashford Group-time to pay back, don't you

off guard by his sudden

"Say that again!"

I'll pay!" Eliza slapped at his hand, desperate for

released her, yanking at her collar. "I hear your

shocked Patrick knew even this but feigned ignorance. "Patrick, ahem,

matriarch?" Patrick frowned,