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?"

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

her eyes curving into a

as Astrid had anticipated,

"Vivienne, are you sure about this? The company is just getting off the ground. It's going to be

do you think I can't help stabilize the company?" Vivienne

You should be enjoying yourself, not trapped in an office with no

Vivienne joining the company, she also

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

as Astrid had said, Dorian and Cordelia were indeed busy

constantly discussing and verifying various reports, barely

would go hungry, waiting

arrival lightened their load

formulas was enough to sustain the company,

like a fresh rainfall, rich and enduring. I like

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

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

numbers of the formulas were very detailed, and the ingredients used were accurate. She carefully read

are both great.

and his Lego, Vivienne heard Astrid mention

boy excitedly picked one of the crumpled

"I win! We'll launch this one. I'll immediately 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

cash on the table