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.

to the side

agree?” He

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

someone like her on our side is the best

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

did exactly as Astrid had anticipated, taking an

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

can’t help stabilize

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

rest when I need to.

joining the company, she also moved back into Dorian’s

she liked it,

were indeed busy with

and verifying various reports,

Thaddeus would go hungry, waiting for his

arrival lightened their load considerably,

perfume formulas was enough to sustain the company,

rich and enduring. I like it,” Cordelia announced, marking one of

this one is also fitting. It has

could launch both, the startup costs for two new perfumes were substantial for a fledgling

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

are both great.

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

one of

win! We’ll launch this one.

off to the company. Stay safe at home, and if you’re hungry, order some takeout. Don’t skimp on

cash on

her head at their