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.”

across Vivienne’s face.

Alfred pulled over to the side of

agree?”

nodded, “Yes, she’ll be joining the company soon. She’s a natural at this, so coming up with a few perfume formulas will be a breeze. Now, it’s just a

Having someone like her on our side is the best way

looked at Alfred, her eyes curving into a smile. “You’re absolutely

had anticipated, taking an active role

about 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 would be easier

I can’t help stabilize

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 no time

rest when I need to.

company, she also moved back

ready, furnished just how she liked it, so she could finally get a good night’s

Astrid had said, Dorian and Cordelia were indeed busy with company matters

were constantly discussing and verifying various reports, barely able

hungry, waiting for

their load considerably, especially regarding

Karen’s legacy of perfume formulas was enough to sustain the company, Dorian still wanted

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

It has a natural, earthy scent.” Dorian

while they could launch both, the startup costs for two

The numbers of the formulas were very detailed, and the ingredients

these two are both great. Why not ask

his Lego, Vivienne heard Astrid mention her and

one of the crumpled papers on

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

decided, Dorian also had to discuss production schedules with the factory. “Astrid, Vivienne, we’re off to the company. Stay safe at home,

some cash on

her head at their parents’