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 the side of

she agree?" He

up with a few perfume formulas will be a breeze. Now, it's just a matter of how much she's willing to

eyes curving into a smile. "You're absolutely

as Astrid had anticipated, taking an active role

the ground. It's going to be hard

can't help stabilize the company?" Vivienne

mean that. I just don't want you to overwork yourself. You're young. You should

joining the company, she also moved back into

she liked it, so she could finally get a good night's

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

were constantly discussing and verifying various reports, barely able to

Thaddeus would go hungry, waiting for his parents to

arrival lightened their load considerably, especially

the company, Dorian still wanted

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

It

and while they could launch both, the startup costs for

stepped in, examining both formulas. The numbers of the formulas were very detailed, and the ingredients

I think these two are both great. Why not

with Thaddeus and his Lego, Vivienne heard Astrid mention her and said,

of the

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

to the company. Stay safe at home, and if you're

left some cash