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

over to the side of

she agree?” He

this, so coming up with a few perfume formulas will be a breeze. Now, it’s just a

a genius. Having someone like her on our side is the best way

curving into a smile. “You’re absolutely

had anticipated, taking an active role

sure about this? The company is just getting off the ground. It’s going to be hard

you think I can’t help stabilize

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

I need to. Don’t

Vivienne joining the company, she also moved back into

always kept her room ready, furnished just how she liked it, so she

and Cordelia were indeed busy

verifying various reports, barely able

waiting for his parents

their load considerably, especially

legacy of perfume formulas was enough to sustain the company, Dorian still wanted to develop more varieties

enduring. I like it,” Cordelia announced, marking one of the formulas

this one is also fitting. It

the startup costs for two new perfumes were

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

great. Why not ask Vivienne which one she prefers to

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

boy excitedly picked one of the

launch this

factory. “Astrid, Vivienne, we’re off to the company. Stay

he spoke, Dorian left some cash on the table

shook her head at their parents’