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!"

to

agree?"

a breeze. Now, it's just a matter of how much she's willing to contribute."

curving

exactly as Astrid had anticipated, taking an active

The company is just getting off the ground. It's going to be hard work. Why not wait until

I can't help stabilize the company?"

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."

the company, she also moved

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

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

constantly discussing and verifying various reports, barely able to

go hungry, waiting

load considerably, especially regarding fragrance

of perfume formulas was enough to sustain the company,

and enduring. I like it,"

also fitting. It has a natural, earthy scent." Dorian

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

of the formulas were very detailed, and

she suggested, "Mom, Dad, I think these two are both great. Why

heard Astrid mention her and said, "Thaddeus, let's draw

one of

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

had to discuss production schedules with the factory. "Astrid, Vivienne, we're off to the

cash on