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

pulled over to

agree?”

she’ll be joining the company soon. She’s a natural at this, so coming up with a

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

looked at Alfred, her eyes curving

exactly as Astrid had anticipated, taking an

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

can’t help stabilize

to overwork yourself. You’re young. You should

I need to. Don’t

Vivienne joining the company, she

she liked

Cordelia were indeed busy with company matters

various reports, barely able to catch their

would go hungry, waiting for his parents

their load considerably, especially regarding fragrance

the company, Dorian still wanted to develop more varieties to ensure

enduring. I like it,” Cordelia announced, marking one of the formulas

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

launch both, the startup costs for two

formulas. The numbers of the formulas were very detailed, and the

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

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

excitedly picked one of the crumpled papers

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

fragrance decided, Dorian also had to discuss production schedules with the factory. “Astrid, Vivienne, we’re off to the company. Stay

some cash on

at their parents’ workaholic