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

Baron asked, "Do you know where your father might

chuckled, her icy gaze briefly scanning Baron, "You

to

dropped, making it hard to read his

if you think it's necessary, Baron," Vivienne replied

for a long while before he

away, the corners of

arrived at

heavy scent of blood hit

stepped

the couch, with medical supplies scattered on the table before

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

lips were pale. The gunshot wound Vivienne inflicted on his wrist had almost crippled his hand, and during his escape, Percival's bullets had riddled his body.

would either have perished at sea or died from the

not dead yet, to your disappointment," Scott

to Scott's demeanor, showed no surprise.

"I know."

not interested in further conversation. After changing

the resounding slam of

prepared for a relaxing bath and sleep at the Brooks Mansion, she received an unexpected call

let's go out for dinner. Mom and

was revealed, Dorian and Cordelia had moved out of Percival's apartment

slender fingers tracing the spines of a

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

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

she texted Percival to see if he

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