The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne) novel Chapter 412

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!"

Meanwhile, Alfred pulled over to the side of the road.

"Did she agree?" He asked.

Astrid 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 to contribute."

Alfred smiled contentedly. "She's a genius. Having someone like her on our side is the best way to serve our nation."

Astrid looked at Alfred, her eyes curving into a smile. "You're absolutely right."

Indeed, Vivienne did exactly as Astrid had anticipated, taking an active role at Dorian's company.

Dorian was amazed. “Vivienne, are you sure about this? The company is just getting off the ground. It’s going to be hard work. Why not wait until things are more stable before you join? It would be easier then.”

“Dad, do you think I can't help stabilize the company?" Vivienne countered.

Dorian quickly 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 trapped in an office with no time to yourself."

"I'll rest when I need to. Don't worry."

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

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

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

They were constantly discussing and verifying various reports, barely able to catch their breath.

Sometimes, Thaddeus would go hungry, waiting for his parents to return.

After Thaddeus trotted off to his room, the smiles on their faces gradually faded.

Picking up the formula from the table, Astrid turned to Vivienne, "You really are a genius. This perfume smells amazing. It's going to be a hit."

"Good to hear you like it," Vivienne responded nonchalantly.

Astrid scrutinized the recipe before her—the precise ingredient ratios were not something an average person could concoct.

Vivienne continued to fiddle with the Lego on the table, seemingly oblivious to Astrid's actions.

Finally, Astrid chuckled and said, “A brain like yours, if you join a national-level research institute, you will surely make a significant impact.”

Vivienne responded nonchalantly, “Do you know how to get into one of those national-level research institutes?”

Astrid’s heart skipped a beat as she looked cautiously at Vivienne.

But she found that Vivienne's gaze was still fixed on the mountainous pile of Lego, not once straying in her direction.

Astrid relaxed slightly, tidying up the items on the table and stowing away the heap of miscellaneous tasks left by Dorian and others into the living room cabinet.

It was filled with all sorts of documents from the company, useful and otherwise.

“I’m just an ordinary Jane. How would I know such things?” Astrid said with a smile while stealthily slipping the perfume recipe into her clothes. “Vivienne, I’m going out to grab some food. What do you like?”

Vivienne finally looked up. “Anything’s fine.”

“Alright,” Astrid replied, slipping into her shoes and stepping out the door.

As she closed the door behind her, Astrid glanced at the perfume recipe in her hand, and a sly smile crept across her lips.