both of those could work! he could've been a former employee when he first crossed the pond, helping him get acquainted with london's crowd. then he split off with his own business. viv might be a little sore about it (that's just how she is, a touch egotistical), but if she wound up being an early investor with a small share in profits, she wouldn't feel quite so bad about losing him and getting a "rival" to her place!