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

"Something on

a moment of silence, Baron asked, "Do you know where your father

icy gaze briefly scanning

I'm a bit worried. Could you ask Percival to

making it hard to

it's necessary, Baron," Vivienne replied with

door for a long

stood by her bedroom window, watching Baron's car slowly drive away, the corners of her lips curling into a subtle, knowing

car arrived at an apartment

heavy scent

stepped forward, eyeing

the couch, with medical

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

crippled his hand, and during his escape, Percival's bullets had riddled

not for Baron, he would either have perished at sea or

to

no surprise. "I didn't

"I know."

further conversation. After changing his bandages, he retired

listened to the resounding slam of

a relaxing bath and sleep at

Mom and Dad

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

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

right below Dad's office building. There's a place called 'Haven.' Invite your husband, too. Let's have a

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

she texted Percival

would not join. Just as she was about to