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 side of

she agree?" He

a breeze. Now, it's just a matter of how much

her eyes curving into a smile. "You're

had anticipated, taking

going to be hard work. Why not wait until

I can't help stabilize

You should be enjoying yourself, not trapped in an office with no

company, she

kept her room ready, furnished just how she liked it, so she could finally get a good night's

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

verifying various reports, barely able

would go hungry, waiting for his

their load considerably, especially regarding

was enough to sustain the company, Dorian still wanted

rich and enduring. I like

fitting. It has a natural,

opinions differed, and while they could launch both, the startup costs

Astrid stepped in, examining both formulas. The numbers of the formulas were very detailed, and the ingredients used were accurate. She carefully read both formulas, the gleam in her eyes getting

two are both great. Why not ask

Thaddeus and his Lego, Vivienne heard Astrid mention her

excitedly picked one of the crumpled papers

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

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

cash