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?”

a natural at this, so coming up with a few perfume formulas will be a breeze. Now, it’s just a matter of how much she’s willing to

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

Alfred, her eyes curving into a

Vivienne did exactly as Astrid had anticipated,

ground. It’s going to be hard work. Why not wait

do you think I can’t

want you to overwork yourself. You’re young. You should be enjoying yourself, not trapped in an office with no time

when I need to. Don’t

joining the company, she also moved back into

kept her room ready, furnished just how she liked it,

were indeed busy with company matters from dawn till

discussing and verifying various reports, barely able to catch their

go hungry, waiting for his parents

their load

to sustain the company, Dorian still wanted to develop more

rich and enduring. I like it,”

this one is also fitting. It has a natural, earthy

the startup costs for two new perfumes were substantial for a

Astrid stepped in, examining both formulas. The numbers of the formulas were very detailed, and the ingredients used were accurate. She carefully read both

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

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

excitedly picked one of the crumpled papers on the

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

schedules with the factory. “Astrid, Vivienne, we’re off to the company.

left some cash on the table

her head at their parents’