The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne did not reply immediately. Instead, she simply gazed at Astrid, waiting for her to continue.

Feeling a bit anxious, Astrid elaborated, “Don’t get me wrong, Vivienne. I’m not saying that Percival isn’t treating you well. I’m just thinking, with the Ellington family being such a prestigious and influential family, it’s a complex world out there. If you had enough confidence and strength, you wouldn’t need to put up with any discomfort there.”

Vivienne nodded slightly, “You make a good point.”

Astrid let out a sigh of relief. “I’m glad you understand what I’m getting at. I hope I haven’t overstepped.”

“Not at all,” Vivienne replied, taking a sip of her drink, “I can contribute some innovative fragrance formulas at the company, which could quickly build a reputation for us.”

Astrid felt an awkward sense of being seen through and could only force a chuckle, taking a sip of her water to cover her nerves. “You’re right. It’s a win-win situation, isn’t it?”

Vivienne raised an eyebrow, a subtle gleam in her eyes.

After dinner, it was getting late. Alfred pulled the car up to the mall to pick up Astrid.

“Vivienne, let me drive you two back,” Alfred called out, rolling down his window.

“No need, we drove here,” Vivienne declined coolly.

“Alright then. Take care,” Alfred waved and drove off with Astrid.

Watching their car disappear into the distance, Vivienne’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully.

Percival draped his jacket over Vivienne’s shoulders, his fingertips lightly touching her cheek, “Getting impatient?”

She nodded. “More than I expected. It’s quite dull.”

He wrapped an arm around her waist and ushered her into the car, saying, “Then let’s take our time. As long as you’re happy.”

grin spread across Vivienne’s face. “Sounds

pulled over to the side of

she agree?”

with a few perfume formulas will be a breeze. Now, it’s just a matter of how much she’s willing to

“She’s a genius. Having someone like her on our side is the best way to serve our

her eyes curving into

exactly as Astrid had anticipated,

amazed. “Vivienne, are you sure about this? The company is just getting off the ground. It’s going to be

do you think I can’t help stabilize the company?” Vivienne

just don’t want you to overwork yourself. You’re young. You should be

I need

she also moved back into

furnished just how she

were indeed busy with company matters

verifying various

Thaddeus would go hungry, waiting

arrival lightened their load considerably,

legacy of perfume formulas was enough to sustain the company,

rainfall, rich and enduring. I like it,” Cordelia announced, marking one of the

also fitting. It has a natural, earthy scent.”

launch both, the startup costs for two new perfumes were substantial for

the formulas were very detailed, and the ingredients used were

both great. Why not ask Vivienne which

Vivienne heard Astrid mention her and said, “Thaddeus,

picked one of the crumpled

launch this one. I’ll

to the

spoke, Dorian left some cash on the

her head at their parents’ workaholic