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,

of dry

of a cracker, complained, "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 lenient of her not to have sent you to

lineage matter,

the calm at the moment was likely the

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

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,

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

"..."

words, Raquel suddenly

about the poison Vivienne had administered, causing unbearable pain before it

to speak out. Who knew what these people, as mad as Zinnia,

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

At that moment.

Kipling, with his neck stiff, said something that

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

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

Kipling turned pale.

he swallowed. "I didn't, those, those were

changing

unsure what had

Zinnia, anxious not to be implicated in a loss, stood up again. "What we're discussing here is Julian's misconduct.

are you? Please, look at that old

involuntarily shuddered, feeling a chill she couldn't