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.”

Vivienne’s face. “Sounds good

pulled over to the side

agree?”

with a few

contentedly. “She’s a genius. Having someone like her on our side is

Alfred, her eyes curving into a smile.

had anticipated, taking an active role

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

I can’t help stabilize the company?”

that. I just don’t want you to overwork yourself. You’re young. You should be enjoying yourself, not trapped in an office with no time to

I need

she also moved

furnished just how she liked it, so

Dorian and Cordelia were indeed busy with company matters from dawn till

were constantly discussing and verifying various

would go hungry, waiting for his

load considerably, especially regarding fragrance

perfume formulas was enough to sustain the company, Dorian still wanted to develop more varieties to ensure continuous

and enduring. I

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

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

numbers of the formulas were very detailed, and the ingredients used were accurate. She carefully read both formulas, the gleam in her eyes getting

are both great. Why not ask Vivienne which

with Thaddeus and his Lego, Vivienne heard Astrid mention her and

one of the crumpled papers

Thaddeus picked her favorite. “I win! We’ll launch this one. I’ll

to discuss production schedules 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 on

left some cash on

shook her head at their parents’