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 the

she agree?" He

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 to contribute." Alfred

Alfred, her eyes curving into a

as Astrid had anticipated, taking an active

It's going to be hard work. Why not wait until things are more

think I can't help

that. I just don't want you to overwork yourself. You're young. You should

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

how she liked it, so she could finally get

Dorian and Cordelia were indeed busy with company matters

were constantly discussing and verifying various reports,

would go hungry, waiting for

their load considerably, especially regarding

the company, Dorian

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

It has

differed, and while they could launch both, the startup costs for two

very detailed, and the ingredients

Dad, I think these two are both great. Why not ask Vivienne which one she

Astrid mention her and said, "Thaddeus, let's

boy excitedly picked one of the crumpled

favorite. "I win! We'll launch this

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

some cash on the table and hurried