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.”

grin spread across Vivienne’s

Alfred pulled over to the

she agree?”

a few perfume formulas will be a breeze. Now, it’s just a matter of how much

“She’s a genius. Having someone like her on our side is the best way to serve our

Alfred, her eyes curving into a smile.

anticipated, taking an

are you sure about this? The company is just getting off the ground. It’s going to be hard work. Why

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

I didn’t mean that. I just don’t want you to overwork yourself. You’re

rest when I need

Vivienne joining the company, she also moved back into Dorian’s

furnished just how she liked it, so she

had said, Dorian and Cordelia were indeed busy with

constantly discussing and verifying various reports, barely able

go hungry, waiting for his parents

arrival lightened their load considerably, especially regarding

legacy of perfume formulas was enough to sustain the company, Dorian still

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

also fitting. It has a natural, earthy

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

in, examining both formulas. The numbers of the formulas were very detailed, and

think these two are both great. Why not

heard Astrid mention her and said,

of

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

had to discuss production schedules with the factory. “Astrid, Vivienne, we’re off to the company. Stay safe at home, and if you’re

some cash on the table

at their parents’ workaholic