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 Leopold's hand, filled with

and pulled out a pack of dry crackers,

of a cracker, complained, "Why does she get

getting this. Knowing Vivienne, it's

warrior lineage matter, unlike her usual decisive nature, but he trusted

sure: the calm at the moment

to send over a feast for you later. But whether you'll be alive to enjoy

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

his untouched iced tea to Cassidy. "Raquel, did you forget what's still

"..."

words, Raquel suddenly choked

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

no longer daring to speak out. Who knew what these people, as mad as Zinnia, might do to

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

At that moment.

Kipling, with his neck stiff, said something that made the jury murmur

lazily in her chair, swept her clear eyes over Kipling and then towards the judge. "You certainly didn't

many influential people give money to someone as

Kipling turned pale.

quickly swept 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

unsure what had

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

are you? Please, look at that old fool. What's there to scheme against him

a