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

Alfred pulled over to the side of

agree?” He

so coming up with a few

her on our side is the best

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

Astrid had anticipated, taking an

are you sure about this? The company is just getting off the ground. It’s going to be

do you think I can’t help stabilize

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 trapped in an office with no time

rest when I need

she

her room ready, furnished just how she liked it, so she could finally get a good night’s

Cordelia were indeed busy with company matters from dawn

verifying various reports, barely able

hungry, waiting for his parents to

lightened their load

was enough to sustain the company,

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

It has a natural, earthy scent.”

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

the deadlock, Astrid stepped in, examining both formulas. The numbers of the formulas were very detailed, and the

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

Astrid

boy excitedly picked one of the crumpled papers

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

fragrance decided, 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.

spoke, Dorian left some cash on the

head at