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

over to the side of the

she agree?”

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

someone like her on our side is

Alfred, her eyes curving into a

as Astrid had anticipated, taking an active role at Dorian’s

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

I can’t help stabilize the

that. I just don’t want you to overwork yourself. You’re young. You should be enjoying yourself, not trapped in

rest when I need

she

she liked it, so she could finally get a

had said, Dorian and Cordelia were indeed busy with company

constantly discussing and verifying various reports, barely able to catch their

waiting for his parents to

lightened their load considerably,

of perfume formulas was enough to sustain the company, Dorian still

and enduring. I like it,” Cordelia

It has a

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

the formulas were very detailed, and the ingredients used were accurate. She carefully read both formulas, the

suggested, “Mom, Dad, I think these two are both great. Why not ask Vivienne which one she

Lego, Vivienne heard Astrid mention her and

one of the crumpled papers

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

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

spoke, Dorian left some cash on the table

at their