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 hesitating on

noticed, "Something

"Do you know where your father

briefly

bit worried. Could you ask Percival to look into it?

making it

Baron," Vivienne replied with a hum, then

long while before

drive away, the corners of her lips curling into a subtle, knowing

car arrived at an apartment

entering, the heavy scent of

alright?" Baron stepped forward,

medical supplies scattered on the table before

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

his hand, and during his escape, Percival's

he would either have perished at sea or died from the

dead yet, to

no surprise.

"I know."

further conversation.

to the resounding slam of the

bath and sleep at

go out for dinner. Mom and Dad will be there too. Are

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

the spines of a succulent, Vivienne replied unhurriedly, "Sure, which restaurant? I'll head right

right below Dad's office 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 was

was about to dress and leave, Percival's car pulled up. Vivienne thought, "That's some