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

of dry crackers, then

clearly dissatisfied with the dry, choking hazard of a cracker, complained, "Why does she get chips and

Knowing Vivienne, it's

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

believed one thing for sure: the calm at the moment was

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, twitched her fingers and glared. "Are you threatening

right now! How dare you treat me like this? Aren't you afraid

untouched iced tea to Cassidy. "Raquel, did you

"..."

words, Raquel suddenly choked

the poison Vivienne had administered, causing unbearable pain before it even

no longer daring to speak out. Who knew what these people, as mad as Zinnia, might do to her behind Vivienne's

had taken the food and finally shut up, Leopold's cold gaze returned

At that moment.

the witness stand, Kipling, with his neck stiff,

towards the judge. "You certainly didn't have the capability back then. But those who paid you, well, they weren't

Why would so many influential people give

Kipling turned pale.

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

stop changing the

what had

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

are you? Please, look at that old fool. What's there to scheme against him for?!" Vivienne's cold gaze met

feeling a chill she couldn't shake