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 the side of

agree?" He

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 how much she's willing

Alfred, her eyes curving into a smile.

anticipated,

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

can't help stabilize the company?"

want you to overwork yourself. You're young. You should be enjoying yourself,

she

always kept her room ready, furnished just how she liked

and Cordelia were indeed busy with company matters from dawn till

various reports, barely able to catch

hungry, waiting for his parents

lightened their load considerably, especially regarding

the company, Dorian still wanted to develop more varieties to ensure continuous

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

It has a natural, earthy

could launch both, the startup

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

great. Why not ask Vivienne which one she prefers to

Lego, Vivienne heard Astrid mention

boy excitedly picked one of the crumpled papers on the

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

factory. "Astrid, Vivienne, we're off to the company. Stay safe at home, and if you're hungry, order some takeout. Don't

spoke, Dorian left some cash on the table and hurried