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

pack of dry crackers, then ripped

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

"Nice? You should be grateful you're even getting this. Knowing Vivienne, it's lenient of her

lineage matter, unlike her usual decisive

sure: the calm at the moment was likely the

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.

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

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

"..."

Raquel suddenly choked

Vivienne had administered, causing unbearable pain before it even

speak out. Who knew what these people, as mad as Zinnia, might do to her behind Vivienne's

and finally shut up, Leopold's

At that moment.

the witness stand, Kipling, with his neck stiff, said something that made

eyes over Kipling and then towards the judge. "You certainly didn't have the capability back

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

Kipling turned pale.

gaze quickly swept over the camera, and he swallowed. "I didn't, those, those were just rumors online. I didn't take any bribes,

changing the

what

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

say that Kipling was bribed to slander Julian, are you? Please, look at

a chill