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 face. “Sounds good

to

agree?” He

the company soon. She’s a natural at this, so coming up with a few perfume formulas will be a breeze.

contentedly. “She’s a genius. Having someone like her on our side is

at Alfred, her eyes curving into a

Vivienne did exactly as Astrid had anticipated, taking an active role at

is just getting off the ground. It’s going to be hard work. Why not wait until things are more stable before you

can’t help stabilize the company?” Vivienne

to overwork yourself. You’re

I

Vivienne joining the company, she also moved back

ready, furnished just how she

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

discussing and verifying various

hungry, waiting for his parents

lightened their load considerably, especially regarding

perfume formulas was enough to sustain the company, Dorian still wanted to develop more varieties

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

fitting. It has a natural,

both, the startup costs

formulas were very detailed, and the ingredients used

are both great. Why not ask

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

one of the crumpled papers on the

“I win! We’ll launch this one. I’ll immediately discuss the launch strategy with

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

cash

at their