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.

realized

if only they had not been so greedy,

misunderstanding. It was Eliza who conned Gillian into signing those contracts. It has nothing to do with us. Please, let them

blackmail me using my daughter, and the other sent her daughter to infiltrate

away, the Boyd Mansion

scrambling for news or securing their own fortunes against their

Boyd Mansion that was clamorous moments ago was now eerily

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

but as you see, I'm

the belle of Sea City, only missing her chance to marry into wealth because of Nathan. Now a widow, her allure was that of a

her bruised cheek. "Eliza, I remember asking you out when

me so much; I didn't even know you sought me out.

knew the Boyd Group's deals were now in Patrick's hands. To rise again, she needed to charm him and find Vivienne for the signet ring, and then she could look for Nathan in Rivenwood!

instant, he seized her throat, his voice venomous. "Eliza, the 800

his sudden aggression, Eliza gasped. "I-I

"Say that again!"

I'll pay!" Eliza slapped

her, yanking at her collar. "I hear your family has

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

Patrick frowned, contemplating