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.

bag of chips in Leopold's

a pack of dry crackers, then ripped off the tape covering Raquel's mouth.

"Why does she get chips and soda, and I get this? Can't

should be grateful you're even getting this. Knowing Vivienne, it's

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

sure: the calm at the moment was likely the

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

like this? Aren't you

the bag of chips from Leopold, also passing his untouched iced tea to Cassidy.

"..."

words, Raquel

poison Vivienne had administered, causing unbearable pain before it even took

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

finally shut up, Leopold's cold gaze

At that moment.

witness stand, Kipling, with his neck stiff,

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

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

Kipling turned pale.

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

stop changing the

unsure what

"What we're discussing here

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

involuntarily shuddered, feeling a chill