The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne) novel Chapter 525

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.

Wendy clearly wanted to get better, 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 agree either!

After a long pause, Eliza finally said, "Do it! No matter the cost, we should do the treatment!"

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

It was better to help Wendy now.

"Are you out of your mind?" Nancy was the first to protest, "All that money, and you just want to give it away? Do you think money grows on trees? I disagree!"

Teresa also voiced her opposition. "I'm all for treating Mom, but that's just too much money."

Then, one by one, Wendy's grandchildren joined in the opposition.

Except for Theodore and Hayden, who remained silent, the rest quarreled, their faces red with anger.

Eliza, face cold, said, "Let's discuss this outside. Don't disturb Mom's rest!"

With that, she led the way to the living room.

Half an hour later, somehow, Eliza had persuaded everyone. They all agreed.

...

Three days later.

The Ashford family's annual yacht party went ahead as planned.

It was tradition, ostensibly for family reunions, but also for networking and consolidating the family's influence and resources.

Despite the recent scandal involving Gillian, the turnout was impressive.

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

Who would not want a piece of that pie?

The yacht was abuzz with guests, all smiles and discreetly sizing up Gillian as she stayed close to Patrick.

Gillian planned to use this event to showcase her talents and overshadow her past negative reputation.