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.

lingered on the bag of chips in

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

a cracker, complained, "Why does she get chips and soda,

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

on the ancient warrior lineage

calm at

eyes showed no emotion. "Alright then, I'll get someone to send over a feast for you later. But whether

dare you treat me like this? Aren't

Leopold, also passing his untouched

"..."

Raquel

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

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

that she had taken the food and finally shut up, Leopold's cold gaze returned to his

At that moment.

with his neck stiff, said something that made

judge. "You certainly didn't have the capability back then.

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

Kipling turned pale.

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

changing the

unsure what

Kipling's demeanor 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.

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

feeling a