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

agree?"

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

eyes curving into a smile. "You're

Vivienne did exactly as Astrid had anticipated, taking an active role at Dorian's

are you sure about this? The company is just getting off the ground. It's going to be hard work. Why not wait until

do you think I can't

young. You should be enjoying yourself, not trapped in an office with no time to yourself." "I'll rest when I need to.

she also

how she liked it, so she could

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

constantly discussing and verifying various reports, barely able to

go hungry, waiting for his parents

lightened their load considerably,

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

and enduring. I like it,"

fitting. It has a natural,

could launch both, the startup costs

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

two are both great. Why not

with Thaddeus and his Lego, Vivienne heard Astrid mention

excitedly picked one of

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

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

left some cash