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!"

Alfred pulled over to the side of

agree?" He

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

Alfred, her eyes curving

Astrid had anticipated, taking an active role

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

think I can't help stabilize

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

company, she also moved back

just how she liked it, so

and Cordelia were

verifying various reports, barely able

hungry, waiting

arrival lightened their load considerably, especially

legacy of perfume formulas was enough to sustain the company, Dorian still wanted to develop more

and enduring. I like it," Cordelia announced, marking one of the formulas with a

also fitting. It has a natural, earthy scent." Dorian selected

they could launch both, the startup costs for two new

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

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

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

of the crumpled papers

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

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

cash on