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 on

"Something on

asked, "Do you know where your father

her icy gaze briefly

ask Percival to

dropped, making it hard to read

necessary, Baron," Vivienne replied with a hum, then retreated to her

for a long while before he left the Brooks

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

at an

scent of blood hit

you alright?" Baron stepped forward,

on the couch, with medical

from Percival's men, he had managed to evade the Vanguard Agency's surveillance and return to his apartment

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

either have perished at sea

not dead yet, to your disappointment," Scott responded

surprise.

"I know."

not interested in further conversation. After changing his bandages, he retired

to the resounding slam

at the Brooks Mansion, she received an

out for dinner. Mom and Dad will be

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

window, her slender fingers tracing the spines of a succulent, Vivienne

called 'Haven.' Invite

shifted to the window, her lips curling

the call, she texted Percival to see

respond, so Vivienne assumed he would not join. Just as she was about to dress and leave, Percival's car pulled