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!"

pulled over to the side

she agree?"

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

eyes curving into a smile. "You're absolutely

Vivienne did exactly as Astrid had anticipated, taking an active role at Dorian's

The company is just getting off the ground. It's going to

I can't help stabilize the

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

Vivienne joining the company, she also moved back into Dorian's

ready, furnished just how she liked

were indeed busy with company matters

verifying various reports, barely able to catch their

hungry, waiting for his parents to

their load considerably, especially regarding fragrance

company, Dorian still wanted to develop more varieties to

formula smells like a fresh rainfall, rich and enduring. I like it," Cordelia

also fitting. It has a natural,

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

detailed, and the ingredients used were accurate. She carefully read both formulas, the gleam in

great. Why not ask Vivienne which

his Lego, Vivienne heard Astrid mention her and said,

one of the crumpled papers

We'll launch this one.

the fragrance decided, Dorian also had to discuss production schedules with the factory. "Astrid, Vivienne, we're off to the company.

he spoke, Dorian left some cash on the table and