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

she agree?" He

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

eyes curving into a smile. "You're

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

was amazed. "Vivienne, are you sure about this? The company is just getting off the ground. It's going to be hard work.

can't help stabilize

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

Vivienne joining the company, she also moved back into Dorian's

just how she liked it, so she

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

various reports, barely

Thaddeus would go hungry, waiting for his

lightened their load considerably, especially regarding fragrance

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

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

It

launch both, the startup costs for two new perfumes were

stepped in, examining both formulas. The numbers of the formulas were very detailed, and the ingredients used were accurate. She

I think these two are both great. Why not ask Vivienne which one she prefers to

his Lego, Vivienne heard Astrid mention her and

of the

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

off to

spoke, Dorian left some cash on the table and hurried