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.

of chips in Leopold's hand, filled with

out a pack of dry

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

it's lenient

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

at the moment

face might have 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

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

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

"..."

Raquel suddenly

poison Vivienne had administered, causing unbearable pain

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

and finally shut up, Leopold's cold gaze returned to his

At that moment.

stiff, said something that made the jury murmur in

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

though. Why would so many influential people give money to someone as

Kipling turned pale.

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

changing

unsure what

"What we're discussing here is Julian's misconduct. What does that have to do with whether

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

feeling a chill she couldn't