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

she 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." Alfred

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

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

"Vivienne, are you sure about this? The company is just getting off the ground. It's going to be hard work. Why not wait until things are more stable before you join? It would be

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

no, I didn't mean that. I just don't want you to overwork yourself. You're young. You should be enjoying

joining the company, she also moved back into

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

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

were constantly discussing and verifying various reports, barely able to catch their

waiting for

arrival lightened their load considerably, especially regarding

Karen's legacy of perfume formulas was enough to sustain the company, Dorian still wanted

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

is also fitting. It has a natural, earthy

differed, and while they could launch both, the startup costs for two new perfumes were substantial for a

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

"Mom, Dad, I think these two are both great. Why not

heard Astrid mention

excitedly picked one of the

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

Vivienne, we're off to the company. Stay safe at home, and if you're hungry, order some takeout. Don't

cash on the