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.

his eyes

noticed, "Something on your

silence, Baron asked, "Do

icy gaze briefly

you ask Percival to look into it? I'm

it hard to

Baron," Vivienne replied

long while

away, the

at an

entering, the heavy scent of blood hit

stepped forward,

couch, with medical supplies scattered on

to evade the Vanguard Agency's surveillance

almost crippled his hand, and during his escape, Percival's

he would either have perished at sea or died

dead yet, to your disappointment," Scott

demeanor, showed no surprise. "I didn't lead Percival and Vivienne to

"I know."

Baron off, clearly not interested in further conversation.

slam of the door, his expression

prepared for a relaxing bath and sleep at

and Dad will be there too.

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

tracing the spines of a succulent, Vivienne replied unhurriedly, "Sure, which restaurant? I'll head right

place called 'Haven.' Invite your husband,

give him a call." Vivienne's gaze shifted to the window, her lips

the call, she texted Percival to see if he was

assumed he would not join. Just as she was about to dress and