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.

on the bag of chips in Leopold's

noticing her look, snorted and pulled out a pack of dry crackers, then

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

Vivienne, it's lenient of

warrior lineage matter, unlike her usual decisive nature, but he trusted that Vivienne had her

calm at the moment was likely the calm

but his eyes showed no emotion. "Alright then, I'll get someone to send over a feast for you later. But whether you'll be alive to enjoy it, well, that's not my concern." Raquel, her arms bound, twitched her fingers and

me like this? Aren't you afraid I'll say something I shouldn't on the stand, something

Leopold, also passing his untouched iced tea to Cassidy.

"..."

Raquel suddenly choked

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

dry crackers, no longer daring to speak out. Who knew what these people, as mad as Zinnia, might do to her behind Vivienne's

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

At that moment.

stiff, said something

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

would so many

Kipling turned pale.

he swallowed. "I didn't, those, those were just rumors online. I didn't

changing

what had

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. What does that have to do with whether Kipling took bribes or

say that Kipling was bribed to slander Julian, are you? Please, look at that old fool. What's there to scheme against him for?!"

feeling a chill she