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.”

spread across Vivienne’s face. “Sounds good

Alfred pulled over to the side

she agree?” He

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

on our side is the

eyes curving into a

exactly as Astrid had anticipated, taking an active role

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

can’t help stabilize the company?”

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

when I

Vivienne joining the company, she also moved back into Dorian’s

furnished just how she liked it, so she

had said, Dorian and Cordelia were indeed busy with company matters from dawn

verifying various reports, barely able to

go hungry, waiting for his

load considerably,

the company, Dorian still wanted

enduring. I

this one is also fitting. It has a natural, earthy scent.”

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

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

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

Thaddeus and his Lego, Vivienne heard Astrid mention her and said, “Thaddeus, let’s

one of the crumpled papers on

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

we’re off to the company. Stay safe at home, and if you’re hungry, order

cash on the table and hurried

at their