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

pulled out a pack of dry crackers, then ripped off the

she get chips and soda, and I get this? Can't you treat a

you're even getting this. Knowing Vivienne, it's lenient of

warrior lineage matter, unlike her usual decisive nature,

sure: the calm at

no emotion. "Alright then, I'll get someone to send over a feast for you later. But whether you'll be alive to enjoy it, well, that's not my concern." Raquel, her arms bound,

one who needs us right now! How dare you treat me like this? Aren't you afraid I'll say

untouched

"..."

Raquel suddenly

hadn't forgotten about the poison Vivienne had

finally accepted the dry crackers, no longer daring to speak out. Who knew what these

and finally shut up,

At that moment.

stiff, said something that made the jury murmur

towards the judge. "You certainly didn't have the capability back then. But those who

though. Why would so many influential

Kipling turned pale.

and he swallowed. "I didn't, those, those were just rumors online. I didn't take any bribes, it wasn't

changing the

what

after Vivienne spoke, Zinnia, anxious not to be implicated in a loss, stood up again. "What we're discussing here is Julian's

you? Please, look at that old fool. What's there to

a