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.

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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.”

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A grin spread across Vivienne’s face. “Sounds good to me!”

Meanwhile, Alfred pulled over to the side of the road.

“Did she agree?” He asked.

Astrid nodded, “Yes, she’ll be 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 of how much she’s willing to contribute.”

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

serve our nation.”

Astrid looked at Alfred, her eyes curving into a smile. “You’re absolutely right.”

Indeed, Vivienne did exactly as Astrid had anticipated, taking an active role at Dorian’s company.

Dorian was amazed. “Vivienne, are you sure about this? The company is just getting off the ground. It’s

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

then.”

“Dad, do you think I can’t help stabilize the company?” Vivienne countered.

Dorian quickly reassured her, “No, no, I didn’t mean that. I just don’t want you to overwork yourself.

You’re young. You should be enjoying yourself, not trapped in an office with no time to yourself.”

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“I’ll rest when I need to. Don’t worry.”

With Vivienne joining the company, she also moved back into Dorian’s home.

Dorian had always kept her room ready, furnished just how she liked it, so she could finally get a good

night’s sleep.

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

dusk.

They were constantly discussing and verifying various reports, barely able to catch their breath.

Sometimes, Thaddeus would go hungry, waiting for his parents to return.

Vivienne’s arrival lightened their load considerably, especially regarding fragrance formulation.

Although Karen’s legacy of perfume formulas was enough to sustain the company, Dorian still wanted

to develop more varieties to ensure continuous innovation.

“Vivienne’s new formula smells like a fresh rainfall, rich and enduring. I like it,” Cordelia announced,

marking one of the formulas with a check.

“I think this one is also fitting. It has a natural, earthy scent.” Dorian selected another.

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

substantial for a fledgling company.

During 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 formulas, the gleam in

her eyes getting deeper.

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

she prefers to launch first?”

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

draw straws.”

The boy excitedly picked one of the crumpled papers on the table.

Cordelia cheered as Thaddeus picked her favorite. “I win! We’ll launch this one. I’ll immediately discuss

the launch strategy with the marketing team.”

With the fragrance decided, Dorian also had to 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 on the good stuff!”

As he spoke, Dorian left some cash on the table and hurried out.

Astrid shook her head at their parents’ workaholic tendencies.

Vivienne just smiled, saying nothing.

Astrid ruffled Thaddeus’s hair, saying, “Isn’t it time for you to hit the books? Didn’t the kindergarten give

you homework?”

The boy stuck out his tongue in mock protest. “Alright, alright, off to study I go.”

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After Thaddeus trotted off to his room, the smiles on their faces gradually faded.

Picking up the formula from the table, Astrid turned to Vivienne, “You really are a genius. This perfume

smells amazing. It’s going to be a hit.”Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All

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Astrid scrutinized the recipe before her—the precise ingredient ratios were not something an average

person could concoct.

Vivienne continued to fiddle with the Lego on the table, seemingly oblivious to Astrid’s actions.

Finally, Astrid chuckled and said, “A brain like yours, if you join a national-level research institute, you

will surely make a significant impact.”

Vivienne responded nonchalantly, “Do you know how to get into one of those national-level research

institutes?”

Astrid’s heart skipped a beat as she looked cautiously at Vivienne.

But she found that Vivienne’s gaze was still fixed on the mountainous pile of Lego, not once straying in

her direction.

Astrid relaxed slightly, tidying up the items on the table and stowing away the heap of miscellaneous

tasks left by Dorian and others into the living room cabinet.

It was filled with all sorts of documents from the company, useful and otherwise.

“I’m just an ordinary Jane. How would I know such things?” Astrid said with a smile while stealthily

slipping the perfume recipe into her clothes. “Vivienne, I’m going out to grab some food. What do you

like?”

Vivienne finally looked up. “Anything’s fine.”

“Alright,” Astrid replied, slipping into her shoes and stepping out the door.

As she closed the door behind her, Astrid glanced at the perfume recipe in her hand, and a sly smile

crept across her lips.

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