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 the side of the

agree?" He

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

looked at Alfred, her eyes curving into a

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

off the ground. It's going to be hard work. Why not wait until

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 no time

she also moved back into Dorian's

her room ready, furnished just how she liked it,

said, Dorian and Cordelia were indeed

verifying various reports, barely

would go hungry, waiting for

lightened their load considerably, especially regarding fragrance

the company, Dorian still wanted to develop more varieties to ensure

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

is also fitting. It has a natural, earthy

launch both, the startup costs for two new perfumes were substantial

numbers of the formulas were very detailed, and the ingredients used

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

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

excitedly picked one of the

We'll launch this one. I'll immediately

with the factory. "Astrid, Vivienne, we're off to the company. Stay safe at home, and if

Dorian left some cash on the table and hurried