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. “Sounds good

Alfred pulled over to

she 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 a breeze. Now, it’s just

someone like her on our side is the best way

curving into a smile. “You’re absolutely

anticipated, taking

just getting off the ground. It’s going to be hard

you think I can’t help stabilize the

you to overwork yourself. You’re young. You should be

I need to.

Vivienne joining the company, she also moved back

room ready, furnished just how she liked it, so

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

discussing and verifying various reports,

waiting for his

load

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

formula smells like a fresh rainfall, rich and enduring. I like it,” Cordelia announced, marking one of the formulas with

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

and while they could launch both, the startup costs for two new perfumes were

detailed, and the ingredients used were accurate.

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

his Lego, Vivienne heard Astrid

of the crumpled papers on the

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

Dorian also had 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.

Dorian left some cash on the table and

her head at their parents’