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 Leopold's hand, filled with

dry crackers, then ripped off the tape covering Raquel's mouth. "Here,

clearly dissatisfied with the dry, choking hazard of a cracker, complained, "Why does she get chips and soda, and I get this?

Vivienne, it's lenient of her not to have sent

was somewhat indecisive on the ancient warrior lineage matter, unlike her usual

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

get someone to send over a feast for you later. But whether you'll be alive to enjoy it, well, that's

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

of chips from Leopold, also passing his untouched iced tea to Cassidy. "Raquel, did you

"..."

Raquel suddenly

Vivienne had

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

food and finally

At that moment.

neck stiff, said something that

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

"I'm quite curious, though. Why would so many influential

Kipling turned pale.

over the camera, and he swallowed. "I didn't, those, those were

changing the

what had

a loss, stood up again. "What

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

involuntarily shuddered, feeling a chill she couldn't