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.

the bag of

of dry crackers, then

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

Knowing Vivienne, it's lenient of her not to have

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

sure: the calm at the moment was likely

you later. But whether you'll

now! How dare you treat me like this? Aren't you afraid I'll say something

from Leopold, also passing his untouched iced tea

"..."

those words, Raquel suddenly

course, she hadn't forgotten about the poison Vivienne had administered, causing

longer daring to speak out. Who knew what these people, as mad as Zinnia, might do to her behind

food and finally shut up,

At that moment.

neck stiff, said something that made

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

"I'm quite curious, though. Why would so many influential people give money to someone as unknown as you

Kipling turned pale.

were just

changing the

unsure what

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

slander Julian, are you? Please, look at that old fool.

shuddered, feeling a chill she couldn't shake