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

to the

agree?” He

soon. She’s a natural at this, so coming up with a few perfume formulas will be a breeze. Now, it’s just a

on our side

at Alfred, her eyes curving

Astrid had anticipated, taking an active role at Dorian’s

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

think I can’t help stabilize

don’t want you to overwork yourself. You’re young. You should

when I

she also moved back

just how she liked it, so she could finally get a good

were indeed busy with company matters from

constantly discussing and verifying various reports, barely able to

waiting for his

load considerably,

to sustain the company, Dorian still wanted to develop more varieties to

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

also fitting. It has a natural,

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

The numbers of the formulas were very detailed, and the

I think these two are both great.

Astrid mention her and

picked one of

win! We’ll launch this one. I’ll immediately discuss the launch strategy with

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 the good

left some cash on the table

head at their parents’