The Million-Dollar Heart

"Good question."

Leopold hadn't gone into the courthouse, sitting instead in the parking lot outside, watching the live stream with the diligently working Thomas.

Each had a cup of iced tea in hand, with a bag of chips between them, enjoying the small comforts of life. "The online crowd sure knows what to focus on."

Thomas, holding onto his snack with a somewhat disdainful expression, remarked, "Kipling and Zinnia caught on pretty quick. I thought this whole mess would be over by now."

His gaze then settled on Cassidy, sitting a few rows ahead.

The girl seemed more alive than when he last saw her, probably because she knew that after today, she would be free.

She was holding a tablet, Kipling's voice filtering through her earbuds, her expression a mix of excitement and impatience. "When can I finally go in? Why does Ms. Hawthorn even bother with those scumbags?!"

They had never seen someone so eager to take down their own mother.

Leopold and Thomas exchanged glances, understanding Cassidy's stance.

If it were them, they'd probably have gone all out against Zinnia a long time ago. Cassidy had finally found a way to break free, naturally, she was desperate.

Leopold grabbed an unopened bag of chips from the side, handing it over. "Don't worry. It should be your turn soon. Have some snacks to keep your strength up; you'll need it." Raquel, tied up nearby, shuffled and whimpered.

lingered on the bag of chips in Leopold's hand, filled

pack of dry crackers, then

complained, "Why does she get chips and soda,

should be grateful you're even getting this. Knowing Vivienne, it's lenient of her

understand why Vivienne was somewhat indecisive on the ancient warrior lineage matter, unlike her usual decisive nature, but he trusted that Vivienne had her

for sure: the calm at the

I'll get someone to send over a feast for you later. But whether you'll be

me like this? Aren't you afraid I'll say something I shouldn't on the stand, something that

bag of chips from Leopold, also passing his untouched iced tea to Cassidy.

"..."

Raquel

Vivienne had administered, causing unbearable pain

accepted the dry crackers, no longer daring to speak out. Who knew what these people, as mad as Zinnia, might

and finally shut up, Leopold's cold gaze

At that moment.

stand, Kipling, with his neck stiff, said something that made the jury

lazily in her chair, swept her clear eyes over Kipling and then towards the judge. "You certainly didn't have the capability back then.

Why would so many influential people give money to someone as unknown as

Kipling turned pale.

"I didn't, those, those were just rumors online. I didn't take

changing

unsure what had

"What we're discussing here is Julian's misconduct. What does that have

Please, look

a chill she couldn't shake