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

to the side of the

agree?” He

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

like her on

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

did exactly as Astrid had anticipated, taking

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

I can’t help stabilize the company?”

I just don’t want you to overwork yourself. You’re young. You should

rest when I need to.

joining the company, she also moved

how she liked it, so she could finally get a good

Astrid had said, Dorian and Cordelia were indeed busy with company matters from dawn till

discussing and verifying various

waiting for his parents to

arrival lightened their load considerably,

was enough to sustain the company, Dorian still wanted to develop

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

one is also fitting. It has a natural, earthy scent.”

they could launch both, the startup

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

suggested, “Mom, Dad, I think these two are both great.

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

boy excitedly picked one of the crumpled papers

launch this one.

Dorian also had to discuss production schedules with the factory. “Astrid, Vivienne, we’re off to

spoke, Dorian left some cash on the

at