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.

eyes lingered on the bag of chips in Leopold's hand,

pulled out a pack of dry crackers, then ripped

"Why does she get chips and soda, and I get this? Can't you treat

should be grateful you're even getting this. Knowing Vivienne, it's lenient of her

quite understand why Vivienne was somewhat indecisive on the ancient warrior lineage matter, unlike her

sure: the calm at the moment was likely the calm

I'll get someone to send over a feast for you later. But whether you'll be alive to enjoy

me like this? Aren't

passing his untouched

"..."

words, Raquel

the poison Vivienne had administered, causing

no longer daring to speak out. Who

and finally

At that moment.

Kipling, with his neck stiff, said something that made the jury murmur in

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

many influential people give money to someone as unknown as you were at

Kipling turned pale.

trembling gaze quickly swept over the camera, and he swallowed. "I didn't, those, those were just rumors online. I didn't take any bribes, it wasn't me, it

stop changing

unsure what had

spoke, Zinnia, anxious not to be implicated in a loss, stood up again. "What we're

"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 cold gaze met

a chill she couldn't shake