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

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

even getting this. Knowing Vivienne, it's lenient of

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

believed one thing for sure: the calm at the moment was

been smiling, 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 glared.

who needs us right now! How dare you treat me like this? Aren't

Leopold, also passing his untouched

"..."

words, Raquel

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

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

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

At that moment.

the witness stand, Kipling, with his neck stiff, said something that made

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

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

Kipling turned pale.

those, those were just rumors online. I didn't take any bribes, it

changing the

unsure what had

to be implicated in a loss, stood up again. "What we're discussing here is Julian's

that Kipling was bribed to slander Julian, are you? Please, look at that old

a chill she couldn't shake