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

agree?" He

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."

looked at Alfred, her eyes curving into a smile. "You're

had anticipated, taking an

about this? The company is just getting off the ground. It's going to be hard work. Why not wait until things are more

you think I can't help stabilize the

don't want you to overwork yourself. You're young. You should be enjoying yourself, not

joining the company, she also moved back into

room ready, furnished just how she liked it, so she could finally get a good night's

Dorian and Cordelia were

discussing and verifying various reports, barely able

Thaddeus would go hungry, waiting for his parents

their load

the company, Dorian

enduring. I like it," Cordelia announced, marking one

also fitting. It has a natural,

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

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

both great. Why not ask Vivienne which one

and his Lego, Vivienne heard Astrid mention

excitedly picked one of

We'll launch this one. I'll immediately discuss the launch strategy with the

off to the company. Stay

some cash