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

to the side

she agree?” He

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

“She’s a genius. Having someone like her on

at Alfred, her eyes curving

anticipated, taking an active role at Dorian’s

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

think I can’t help stabilize

overwork yourself. You’re young.

I need to. Don’t

joining the company, she also moved back into

how she

were indeed busy with company matters from dawn till

verifying various reports, barely able to

Thaddeus would go hungry, waiting for his parents

arrival lightened their load considerably, especially

of perfume formulas was enough to sustain the company, Dorian

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

also fitting. It has a natural, earthy scent.” Dorian

they could launch both, the startup costs for two

and the ingredients used were accurate. She carefully read both formulas, the gleam in her

Dad, I think these two are both great. Why not ask Vivienne which one she prefers

Lego, Vivienne heard Astrid mention her and said, “Thaddeus,

picked one of

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

Dorian also had 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

cash on the table and

at their