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

pulled over to the

agree?”

coming up with a few perfume formulas will be a breeze.

a genius. Having someone like her on our side is the best way

eyes curving into a smile. “You’re

had anticipated, taking an active role

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

you think I can’t help stabilize the

no, I didn’t mean that. I just don’t want you to overwork yourself.

I

Vivienne joining the company, she also moved

furnished just how she liked it, so she could finally

were indeed busy with

discussing and verifying various reports,

hungry, waiting for his parents

load considerably, especially regarding

to sustain the company, Dorian still wanted

and enduring. I like it,” Cordelia announced, marking one

It has a

the startup

in, examining both formulas. The numbers of the formulas were very detailed, and the ingredients used were accurate. She carefully read both formulas, the gleam in her eyes getting

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

his Lego, Vivienne heard Astrid mention her and

picked one of the crumpled papers on the

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

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

some cash

at their