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.

of chips in Leopold's

of dry crackers, then

complained, "Why does she get

this. Knowing Vivienne, it's lenient of her not to have sent you to keep the

Vivienne was somewhat indecisive on the ancient warrior lineage

calm at

I'll get someone to send over a feast for you later. But whether you'll be alive to enjoy it, well,

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

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

"..."

those words, Raquel suddenly

poison Vivienne had administered, causing unbearable

to speak out. Who knew what these people, as mad

finally shut up, Leopold's cold gaze

At that moment.

his neck stiff, said something that made the jury murmur

clear eyes over Kipling and then towards the judge. "You certainly didn't have the capability back then. But those who paid

tilted her head, her tone light. "I'm quite curious, though. Why would so many influential people give money

Kipling turned pale.

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

changing the

unsure what had

again. "What we're discussing here is Julian's misconduct. What does that have to do with whether

not trying to say that Kipling was bribed to slander Julian, are you? Please, look at that old fool. What's there to

feeling a chill she couldn't shake