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.

over to the side

she agree?” He

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

genius. Having someone like her on our side is

at Alfred, her eyes curving into

had anticipated, taking an active role

the ground. It’s going to be hard work. Why not wait until things are more stable before you join? It would

can’t help

didn’t mean that. I just don’t want you to overwork yourself. You’re young.

I need to. Don’t

she also moved

ready, furnished just how she liked it, so she

said, Dorian and Cordelia were indeed

were constantly discussing and verifying various reports, barely able

Thaddeus would go hungry, waiting for his parents

arrival lightened their load considerably, especially

Karen’s legacy of perfume formulas was enough to sustain the company, Dorian still wanted to develop more varieties to ensure continuous

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

this one is also fitting. It has a

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

were very detailed, and the

Dad, I think these two are both great.

his Lego, Vivienne heard Astrid mention

excitedly picked one of the crumpled papers on

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

“Astrid, Vivienne, we’re off to

he spoke, Dorian left some cash on the

her head at their parents’