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?"

it's just a matter of how much she's willing to contribute." Alfred smiled contentedly.

eyes curving into a smile. "You're

Astrid had anticipated, taking an active role at

going to be hard work.

think I can't help stabilize

quickly reassured her, "No, 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 to yourself." "I'll rest when

Vivienne joining the company, she also

just how she liked it, so she

and Cordelia were

various reports, barely able to

hungry, waiting for

their load considerably, especially regarding

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

like a fresh rainfall, rich and enduring. I like it," Cordelia announced, marking one of

fitting. It has a natural, earthy

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

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

Dad, I think these two are both great. Why not ask Vivienne which one she prefers

Thaddeus and his Lego, Vivienne heard Astrid mention her

picked one of

launch this one. I'll

also had to 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

he spoke, Dorian left some cash on