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.”

across Vivienne’s face.

to the side of the

agree?” He

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

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

at Alfred, her eyes curving into

had anticipated,

going to be hard work. Why not wait until things are more stable before you

you think I can’t help stabilize the

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

I need

she also moved back

she liked it, so she

Astrid had said, Dorian and Cordelia were

were constantly discussing and verifying various reports, barely able to

would go hungry, waiting for his parents to

their load considerably, especially regarding fragrance

company, Dorian

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

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

differed, and while they could launch both, the startup costs for two new perfumes

and the ingredients used were accurate. She carefully read

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

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

boy excitedly picked one of the crumpled papers

We’ll launch this one. I’ll immediately discuss the

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

left some cash on the

shook her head at their parents’