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

over to the side of

she agree?”

joining the company soon. She’s a natural at this, so coming up with a few perfume formulas will be a breeze. Now, it’s just a matter

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

curving into a

as Astrid had anticipated, taking an

to be hard work. Why not wait until things

do you think I can’t help stabilize the company?”

you to overwork yourself. You’re young.

I need

company, she also moved back

how she liked it, so she

Dorian and Cordelia were indeed

verifying various

go hungry, waiting for his

lightened their load considerably, especially

sustain the company, Dorian still wanted to

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

It

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

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

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

heard Astrid mention

picked one of the

launch this one. I’ll immediately discuss the launch

discuss production schedules with the factory. “Astrid, Vivienne, we’re off to the company. Stay safe at home, and if you’re hungry, order some takeout. Don’t skimp

some cash on the table and

head at their parents’