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.

to the

agree?” He

she’ll be joining the company soon. She’s a natural at this, so coming up with a few perfume formulas will be

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

eyes curving

exactly as Astrid had anticipated, taking an

off the ground. It’s going to be hard work. Why not wait until things are

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

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

rest when I

she also moved back into Dorian’s

ready, furnished just how she liked it, so

Dorian and Cordelia were indeed

and verifying various reports,

go hungry, waiting for his parents to

load considerably,

company, Dorian still wanted to develop more varieties

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

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

opinions differed, and while they could launch both, the startup costs

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

think these two are both great. Why

Astrid mention her and said, “Thaddeus, let’s draw

one of the crumpled papers on the

this one. I’ll immediately discuss

Vivienne, we’re off to the company. Stay

some cash on the

her head at