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 the

agree?” He

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 of

genius. Having someone like her on our

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

had anticipated, taking

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

I can’t help stabilize the

you to overwork yourself. You’re young.

rest when I need

Vivienne joining the company, she also moved back

furnished just how she

Dorian and Cordelia were indeed busy

were constantly discussing and verifying various reports, barely able

hungry, waiting for his parents

arrival lightened their load considerably,

company, Dorian still wanted to

new formula smells like a fresh rainfall, rich and enduring. I like it,” Cordelia

think this one is also fitting. It has a natural,

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

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

two are both great. Why

Astrid mention

excitedly picked one of the crumpled papers on the

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

Vivienne, we’re off to the company. Stay

he spoke, Dorian left some cash

her head at their parents’