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 chips in Leopold's hand, filled with

her look, snorted and pulled out a pack of dry crackers, then ripped off the tape covering Raquel's mouth. "Here,

dissatisfied with the dry, choking hazard of a cracker, complained, "Why does she get chips and soda, and I get this? Can't you treat a witness

Knowing Vivienne, it's lenient of her not to have sent you to keep the dogs

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

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

I'll get someone to send over a feast for you later. But whether you'll be alive

How dare you treat me like this? Aren't you afraid I'll say something I shouldn't on the stand, something that could ruin you

Leopold, also passing his untouched iced tea to Cassidy.

"..."

Raquel suddenly choked

forgotten about the poison Vivienne had administered, causing unbearable

dry crackers, no longer daring to speak out.

that she had taken the food and finally shut

At that moment.

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

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

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

Kipling turned pale.

were just rumors online. I didn't take any bribes, it wasn't me, it

changing

unsure what

in a loss, stood up again. "What we're discussing here is

Julian, are you? Please, look

shuddered, feeling a chill she couldn't shake