The Million-Dollar Heart

Every time Vivienne spent time with Jasper, she felt a warmth envelop her.

This warmth was different from the kind she felt in the company of Dorian.

Dorian's kindness stemmed from his affection for her mother and, by extension, to her, much like Cordelia had shown.

Though it was a case of loving the house and its crow, it was genuine through and through.

But with Jasper, it felt as if it was innate.

Especially when Jasper looked at her, his gaze held the same affection as when he looked at Natalia.

Vivienne had a long chat with Jasper in the ward, where Zelda had brought out an array of snacks, fussing over her like a child.

When it was time to leave, Vivienne said her goodbyes, "I'll come see you again next time. It's going to get colder in a few days. Make sure you wear more than just that thin shirt."

Jasper nodded vigorously. "Yes, yes, I'll go shopping for some warm clothes tomorrow; bundle myself up nice and cozy."

Zelda sighed from the side. "You only listen to Vivienne. I've been telling you to dress warmer, but you never pay heed."

They all shared a laugh, and with that, Vivienne got up to leave.

Once she was gone, Jasper's smile slowly faded, tinged with a hint of reluctance.

"Is everything collected?" Jasper asked.

Zelda nodded. "Don't worry, Dad. I've kept the cup Vivienne used. I'll hand it over to Yuri tonight and have him personally supervise the paternity test." Jasper sighed silently and sat back down, continuing to play with his granddaughters.

Meanwhile, Vivienne returned to the Brooks Mansion.

Pushing the door open, a chill swept through, prompting her to wrap her coat tighter. Just as she was about to head to her room, she encountered Baron. "Baron," Vivienne greeted him coolly.

eyes hesitating on

noticed, "Something on your

"Do you know where your father

chuckled, her icy gaze briefly

Percival to look into it? I'm afraid he

gaze dropped, making it hard

if you think it's necessary, Baron," Vivienne replied

door for a long

slowly drive away, the corners of her

car arrived at

entering, the heavy scent of blood

Baron stepped forward, eyeing

sat on the couch, with medical

he had managed to evade the Vanguard Agency's surveillance

lips were pale. The gunshot wound Vivienne inflicted on his wrist had almost crippled his hand, and during his escape, Percival's bullets had riddled his body. His injuries, aggravated by a near drowning were on the verge of

have perished at sea

dead yet, to your disappointment," Scott responded

surprise. "I didn't

"I know."

in further conversation. After changing his bandages, he

the resounding slam of the door, his expression

at the Brooks Mansion, she received an unexpected

dinner. Mom and Dad

had moved out of Percival's apartment and bought their own place. Dorian

window, her slender fingers tracing the spines of a succulent, Vivienne replied unhurriedly,

Dad's office building. There's a place called 'Haven.' Invite

Vivienne's gaze shifted to the window, her

the call, she texted Percival

not respond, so Vivienne assumed he would not join. Just as she was about to dress and leave, Percival's car pulled