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 face.

to the

agree?”

so coming up with a few perfume formulas will be a breeze. Now, it’s just a matter of how much she’s

Having someone like her on

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

had anticipated, taking an active role

the ground. It’s going to be hard work. Why not wait until things are more

think I can’t help stabilize the

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

I need to. Don’t

the company, she also moved back into Dorian’s

just how she liked it, so she could finally

as Astrid had said, Dorian and Cordelia were indeed busy

verifying various reports, barely able to

waiting for his

load

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

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

It has a natural, earthy scent.”

the startup costs for two new perfumes were substantial for a

were very detailed, and the ingredients

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

Vivienne heard Astrid mention her

one of the

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

off to the company. Stay safe at home, and if

he spoke, Dorian left some cash on the table and

shook her head at their parents’ workaholic