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.

his eyes

noticed, "Something on

silence, Baron asked, "Do you know where your

gaze briefly

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

making it hard to read his

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

watched Vivienne's door for a long while

by her bedroom window, watching Baron's car slowly drive away,

at an apartment

scent

alright?" Baron stepped forward, eyeing the

the couch, with medical supplies scattered

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

crippled his hand, and during his escape, Percival's bullets had riddled his body. His injuries,

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

dead yet, to your disappointment," Scott

accustomed to Scott's demeanor, showed no surprise. "I didn't lead

"I know."

Baron off, clearly not interested in further conversation.

resounding slam of the

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

for dinner. Mom and Dad will be

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

window, her slender fingers tracing the spines of a succulent, Vivienne replied unhurriedly, "Sure, which restaurant? I'll

building. There's a place called 'Haven.'

call." Vivienne's gaze shifted to

texted Percival to see if

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