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

over to the side

she agree?”

up with a few

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

curving into

Vivienne did exactly as Astrid had anticipated, taking

this? The company is just getting off the ground. It’s going to be hard work. Why not wait until things are more stable before you join? It

do you think I can’t help stabilize the

I didn’t mean that. I just don’t want you to overwork yourself. You’re young. You should be enjoying yourself, not trapped in an office with

I

joining the company, she also moved back

room ready, furnished just how she liked it, so she could finally get a

Cordelia were indeed busy with company matters from

various reports, barely able to

Thaddeus would go hungry, waiting for his

load considerably, especially regarding

the company, Dorian still wanted to develop

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

this one is also fitting. It has a natural, earthy

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

numbers of the formulas were very detailed, and the ingredients

think these two are both great. Why not ask Vivienne which one she prefers

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

boy excitedly picked one of

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

schedules with the factory. “Astrid, Vivienne, we’re off to the company. Stay safe at home, and if you’re hungry, order some takeout.

some cash on the table and

at their