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 hand, filled

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

does she get chips and soda, and I get this? Can't you treat a witness a bit

Vivienne, it's lenient of her not

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

one thing for sure: the calm at the

for you later. But whether you'll be

who needs us right now! How dare you treat me like this?

passing his untouched iced tea to Cassidy.

"..."

those words, Raquel

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

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

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

At that moment.

neck stiff, said something that made the jury murmur

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

though. Why would so many influential people give money to someone as unknown as you were at the

Kipling turned pale.

"I didn't, those, those were just rumors

stop changing

unsure what

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.

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

shuddered, feeling a chill she couldn't shake