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

look, snorted and pulled out a pack of dry

of a cracker, complained, "Why does she get chips and

Vivienne, it's lenient of her not

warrior lineage matter, unlike her usual decisive

one thing for sure: the calm at

showed no emotion. "Alright then, I'll get someone to send over a feast for you later. But whether

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

Leopold, also passing his untouched iced tea to Cassidy. "Raquel, did

"..."

Raquel suddenly

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

crackers, no longer daring to speak out. Who knew what these people, as mad as Zinnia, might

finally shut up, Leopold's cold gaze returned to

At that moment.

neck stiff, said something that

clear eyes over Kipling and then towards the judge. "You certainly didn't have the capability back then. But those who paid you, well,

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

Kipling turned pale.

were just

changing the

unsure what had

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

mockingly. "You're not trying to say that Kipling was bribed to slander Julian, are you? Please, look at that old fool. What's there to scheme against him for?!" Vivienne's

shuddered, feeling a