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

"Something on

a moment of silence, Baron asked, "Do you know where your

icy gaze briefly scanning

Could you ask Percival to look into

it hard

replied

Vivienne's door for a long while

away, the corners of her lips curling into

car arrived at an apartment

the heavy scent of

you alright?" Baron stepped forward, eyeing

with medical supplies scattered on the

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

hand, and during his escape, Percival's bullets had riddled his body. His injuries, aggravated by a near drowning

either have perished at sea or died

to your

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

"I know."

interested in further conversation. After changing his bandages, he retired

to the resounding slam of the

relaxing bath and sleep at the Brooks Mansion, she received an unexpected

out for dinner. Mom and Dad

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

by the window, her slender fingers tracing the spines of a

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

him a call." Vivienne's gaze shifted to the window, her lips curling into an ambiguous

the call, she texted Percival to see

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