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.

on the bag of chips in

noticing her look, snorted and pulled out a pack of dry crackers, then ripped off

hazard of a cracker, complained, "Why does she get chips and soda, and I get this? Can't you treat

you're even getting this. Knowing Vivienne, it's lenient of her not to have sent

understand why Vivienne was somewhat indecisive on the ancient warrior lineage

for sure: the calm at the moment

emotion. "Alright then, I'll get someone to send over a feast for you later. But whether

this? Aren't you

bag of chips from Leopold, also passing his untouched iced tea to Cassidy. "Raquel, did you forget what's

"..."

Raquel suddenly choked

had administered, causing unbearable pain before it

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

had taken the food and finally

At that moment.

his neck stiff, said something

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

tone light. "I'm quite curious, though. Why would so many

Kipling turned pale.

quickly swept over the camera, and he swallowed. "I didn't, those, those were just rumors

stop changing

what had

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

to slander Julian, are you? Please, look at that old

shuddered, feeling a