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!"

over to the side of the

agree?" He

it's just a matter of how much she's willing

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

going to be hard work. Why

do you think I can't help stabilize

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,

Vivienne joining the company, she also moved

just how she liked it,

Astrid had said, Dorian and Cordelia were indeed busy with company matters from dawn

constantly discussing and verifying various reports, barely able to catch

hungry, waiting for his parents

load considerably,

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

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

one is also fitting. It

the startup costs for two

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

I think these two are both great. Why not ask Vivienne

and his Lego, Vivienne heard Astrid mention her

excitedly picked one of the crumpled papers on

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

Dorian 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

cash