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

she agree?"

She's 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 someone like her on our side is the best way

curving into a smile. "You're

anticipated, taking an

going to be hard work. Why not wait until things are more

you think I can't help

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

she also moved back into Dorian's

she

Cordelia were indeed busy

and verifying various reports,

hungry, waiting

lightened their load considerably, especially

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

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

this one is also fitting. It has a natural,

the startup costs for

of the formulas were very detailed, and the ingredients used were accurate. She

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

his Lego, Vivienne heard Astrid mention her and said, "Thaddeus, let's

picked one of the crumpled papers on the

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

to discuss production schedules with the factory. "Astrid, Vivienne, we're off to the company. Stay safe at home, and if

spoke, Dorian left some cash on