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 side of the

she agree?" He

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 smiled contentedly. "She's a genius. Having

Alfred, her eyes curving into a

as Astrid had anticipated, taking an active

getting off the ground. It's going to be

think I can't help stabilize the

yourself. You're young. You should be enjoying yourself, not trapped in an office

she also

room ready, furnished just how she liked

Cordelia were indeed busy with company matters

discussing and verifying various reports, barely able

would go hungry, waiting for his parents to

arrival lightened their load considerably, especially regarding fragrance

was enough to sustain the company, Dorian still wanted to develop

new formula smells like a fresh rainfall, rich and enduring. I like it," Cordelia announced, marking one of the formulas with

It has a natural, earthy scent." Dorian

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

detailed, and the ingredients used were accurate. She carefully read both formulas, the gleam

great. Why not ask Vivienne which one she

and his Lego, Vivienne heard Astrid

picked one of the

favorite. "I win! We'll launch this one. I'll immediately discuss the

off to the company. Stay safe at home, and if

left some cash on