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

"Something on your

"Do you know where

icy gaze briefly scanning Baron,

ask Percival to look into it? I'm afraid he might

gaze dropped, making it hard to read his

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

for a long while before

by her bedroom window, watching Baron's car slowly drive away, the corners of her lips curling

arrived at an

entering, the heavy scent

stepped

the couch, with medical supplies

Agency's surveillance

during his escape, Percival's bullets had riddled his body. His injuries, aggravated by a near drowning were on the verge

for Baron, he would either have perished at sea or died from

dead yet, to your disappointment,"

demeanor, showed no surprise. "I didn't lead Percival

"I know."

conversation. After changing his bandages,

resounding slam of the door, his

and sleep at the Brooks Mansion, she received an unexpected call

let's go out for dinner. Mom and Dad

Cordelia had moved out of Percival's apartment and bought their own place.

slender fingers tracing the spines of a succulent, Vivienne replied

place called 'Haven.' Invite your husband, too. Let's

to the window, her lips curling

the call, she texted Percival to see if he was

Vivienne assumed he would not join. Just as she was about to dress and leave, Percival's car pulled up. Vivienne thought, "That's some