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

noticed, "Something on your

of silence, Baron asked, "Do you know

her icy gaze briefly scanning Baron, "You

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

dropped, making it hard to read

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

Vivienne's door for a long while before he left the

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

arrived at an

scent

alright?" Baron stepped

with medical supplies scattered on the table

evade the Vanguard Agency's surveillance and return to

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

he would either have perished at sea or died from

dead yet, to your disappointment,"

accustomed to Scott's demeanor, showed no surprise.

"I know."

cut Baron off, clearly not interested in further conversation. After changing his bandages, he

resounding slam of the

bath and sleep at

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

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

the spines of a

called 'Haven.' Invite your

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

texted Percival

not join. Just as she was about to dress and leave,