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 hesitating

noticed, "Something on

of silence, Baron asked, "Do you know

icy gaze briefly scanning

worried. Could you ask Percival to look into

gaze dropped, making it hard to read his

it's necessary, Baron," Vivienne replied with a hum, then retreated to her

watched Vivienne's door for a long while before he left the Brooks

Baron's car slowly drive away, the corners of her

car arrived at an

entering, the heavy scent of blood hit

stepped forward, eyeing

the couch, with medical

had managed to evade the Vanguard Agency's surveillance and return to his

were pale. The gunshot wound Vivienne inflicted on his wrist had almost crippled his hand, and during his escape,

would either have perished at sea or died from the festering

yet, to your disappointment,"

surprise. "I

"I know."

clearly not interested in further conversation. After changing his

slam of the door, his expression

Vivienne prepared for a relaxing bath and sleep at the Brooks Mansion, she

go out for dinner. Mom and Dad will be there

and Cordelia had moved out of Percival's apartment and bought

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

'Haven.' Invite your husband, too.

shifted to the window, her

texted Percival to see

respond, so Vivienne assumed he would not join. Just as she was about to dress and leave,