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

asked, "Do you know where

icy gaze briefly scanning Baron,

bit worried. Could you ask Percival to

gaze dropped, making it hard to read

necessary, Baron," Vivienne replied with a hum,

door for a long

stood by her bedroom window, watching Baron's car slowly drive away, the corners of her

arrived at an

heavy scent of blood

alright?" Baron stepped

the couch, with medical supplies scattered on the table

Percival's men, he had managed to evade the Vanguard Agency's surveillance and return to his apartment with Baron's

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

for Baron, he would either have perished

not dead yet, to your disappointment," Scott responded

accustomed to Scott's demeanor, showed no surprise. "I

"I know."

in further conversation. After changing his bandages, he

the resounding slam of the door,

bath and sleep at the Brooks Mansion, she received an unexpected call from

dinner. Mom and Dad will be

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

of a succulent, Vivienne replied

a place called 'Haven.' Invite your husband, too. Let's have a family gathering," Astrid

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

the call, she texted Percival to see

would not join. Just as she was about to