The Million-Dollar Heart

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."

A grin spread across Vivienne's face. "Sounds good to me!"

Alfred pulled over to the side

agree?"

"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

eyes curving into a smile. "You're

Vivienne did exactly as Astrid had anticipated, taking an active role

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

I can't help

no, I didn't mean that. I just don't want you to overwork yourself. You're young. You should be

Vivienne joining the company, she also

ready, furnished just how she liked it, so she could finally get

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

various reports,

Thaddeus would go hungry, waiting for his

load considerably, especially

legacy of perfume formulas was enough to sustain the company, Dorian still wanted to develop more varieties

rich and enduring. I like it," Cordelia

think this one is also fitting. It has a natural, earthy scent." Dorian selected

could launch both, the startup costs for

the deadlock, Astrid stepped in, examining both formulas. The numbers of the formulas were very detailed, and

are both great. Why not ask Vivienne which one she

and his Lego, Vivienne heard Astrid mention

one of the crumpled papers on

Thaddeus picked her favorite. "I win! We'll launch this one. I'll immediately discuss the

the factory. "Astrid, Vivienne, we're off to the

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