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

she agree?" He

up with a few perfume formulas will be a breeze. Now, it's just a matter of

Alfred, her eyes curving into a smile. "You're absolutely

had anticipated, taking an

company is just getting off the ground. It's going to be

I can't

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

joining the company, she also

had always kept her room ready, furnished just how she liked

said, Dorian and Cordelia were indeed

discussing and verifying various reports, barely able to

go hungry, waiting for his parents to

arrival lightened their load

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

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

fitting. It has a

startup costs for two

formulas. The numbers of the formulas were very detailed, and the ingredients used were

two are both great. Why not ask Vivienne which one

Astrid mention her

excitedly picked one of the crumpled papers on

cheered as Thaddeus picked her favorite. "I win! We'll launch this one. I'll immediately discuss the launch

Vivienne, we're off to the company. Stay safe at home, and if you're hungry, order

left some cash on the table and