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

noticed, "Something

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

her icy gaze briefly

you ask Percival to look into it?

it hard to read his

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

Vivienne's door for a long

bedroom window, watching Baron's car slowly drive away, the

at an apartment

the heavy scent of blood

you alright?" Baron stepped

medical supplies scattered on the table

Agency's surveillance and return to his apartment with Baron's

his escape, Percival's bullets had

would either have perished at sea or died from the festering

to

demeanor, showed no surprise. "I

"I know."

interested in further conversation. After changing his bandages, he retired

resounding slam

at the Brooks

Mom and Dad will be there too. Are

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

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

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

shifted to the

Percival to see if

as she was about to dress and leave, Percival's car pulled