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.

responded, his eyes

noticed, "Something

of silence, Baron asked, "Do

gaze briefly scanning Baron, "You don't

don't. I'm a bit worried. Could you ask Percival to look into it?

it hard to read

replied with a

door for a long while before he left

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

arrived at an

entering, the heavy scent

alright?" Baron stepped forward, eyeing the

the couch, with medical supplies scattered

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

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

perished at sea

yet, to

demeanor, showed no surprise.

"I know."

cut Baron off, clearly not interested in further conversation. After changing his

the resounding slam of the

prepared for a relaxing bath and sleep at the Brooks

let's go out for dinner. Mom and Dad will be there too. Are you

of Percival's apartment and bought their own place. Dorian was now keen to focus on their

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

There's a place called 'Haven.' Invite your husband, too. Let's have a family

shifted to the window, her lips

the call, she texted Percival to see if

join. Just as she was about to dress and leave, Percival's car pulled up. Vivienne thought,