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

she agree?"

nodded, "Yes, she'll be joining the company soon. 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

curving into a smile. "You're

exactly as Astrid had anticipated,

It's going to be hard work. Why not wait until things are more stable before you join? It would be

you think I can't

should be enjoying yourself, not trapped in an office with

company, she also moved back into Dorian's

ready, furnished just how she liked it, so

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

and verifying various reports, barely

go hungry, waiting for

their load considerably, especially regarding fragrance

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

smells like a fresh rainfall, rich and enduring. I like it,"

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

launch both, the startup

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

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

Thaddeus and his Lego, Vivienne heard Astrid

of the crumpled papers on the

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

also had to discuss production schedules with the factory. "Astrid, Vivienne, we're off to the

Dorian left some cash on the table