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.

Alfred pulled over to

agree?”

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 matter

a genius. Having someone like her on our side is the best way to

eyes curving into a smile.

anticipated,

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

can’t help stabilize the company?” Vivienne

reassured her, “No, no, I didn’t mean that. I just don’t want you to overwork yourself. You’re young. You should be enjoying yourself, not

when I need to. Don’t

she also moved back into Dorian’s

room ready, furnished just how she liked it, so she

were indeed busy with

and verifying various reports, barely able

hungry, waiting for his parents to

load considerably,

perfume formulas was enough to sustain the company, Dorian still

rainfall, rich and enduring. I like it,”

one is also fitting. It has a

launch both, the startup costs for two new perfumes were

the formulas were very detailed, and the ingredients used were accurate. She carefully read both formulas,

are both great. Why not ask Vivienne which

and his Lego, Vivienne heard Astrid mention

boy excitedly picked one of the crumpled papers on

“I win! We’ll launch this one. I’ll

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

spoke, Dorian left some cash on the table and hurried

shook her head at their