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.”

spread across Vivienne’s face. “Sounds

Alfred pulled over to the side

agree?”

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

Having someone like her on our side is the best way to serve our

at Alfred, her eyes curving into

anticipated, taking an active role

ground. It’s going to be hard work. Why not

do you think I can’t help stabilize

yourself. You’re young. You should be enjoying yourself, not

rest when I need to. Don’t

she also moved

just how she liked it, so she could finally

were indeed

various reports,

waiting for his

lightened their load

was enough to sustain the company, Dorian still wanted to develop

I like

also fitting. It has a natural,

opinions differed, and while they could launch both, the startup costs for two new perfumes were substantial for a

in, examining both formulas. The numbers of the formulas were very detailed, and the ingredients used were accurate. She carefully read

she suggested, “Mom, Dad, I think these two are both great. Why not ask Vivienne which one she prefers

Thaddeus and his Lego, Vivienne heard Astrid mention her and said, “Thaddeus,

of

We’ll launch this one. I’ll immediately discuss the launch strategy with

with the factory. “Astrid, Vivienne, we’re off to the company. Stay safe at home, and if you’re hungry, order some takeout. Don’t skimp

spoke, Dorian left some cash

shook her head at their parents’ workaholic