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.”

Vivienne’s face.

pulled over to the side of

agree?”

coming up with a few

like her on our

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

exactly as Astrid had anticipated, taking an active

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

I can’t help stabilize

overwork yourself. You’re young. You should be enjoying yourself, not trapped

I need

joining the company, she also moved

just how she liked it, so she could finally get a good

said, Dorian and Cordelia were indeed

constantly discussing and verifying various reports, barely able to

Thaddeus would go hungry, waiting for

arrival lightened their load considerably, especially regarding fragrance

to sustain the company,

formula smells like a fresh rainfall, rich and enduring. I like it,” Cordelia announced, marking one of the formulas

is also fitting. It has a natural, earthy scent.” Dorian selected

differed, and while they could launch both, the startup costs

the deadlock, Astrid stepped 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

both great. Why

Thaddeus and his Lego, Vivienne heard Astrid mention

of the crumpled papers on

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

had to discuss production schedules with the factory. “Astrid, Vivienne, we’re off to the company. Stay safe at home, and

some cash on the table and

at their