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,

pack of dry crackers,

cracker, complained, "Why does she get chips and soda, and

retorted, "Nice? You should be grateful you're even getting this. Knowing Vivienne, it's lenient of her

didn't quite understand why Vivienne was somewhat indecisive on the ancient warrior lineage matter, unlike her usual decisive nature,

thing for sure: the calm at the moment was likely the calm before a

to send over a feast for you later. But whether you'll be alive

you treat me like this? Aren't you afraid I'll say something I shouldn't on the stand, something

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

"..."

Raquel suddenly

had

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

she had taken the food and finally shut

At that moment.

stiff, said something

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, they weren't lacking

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

Kipling turned pale.

didn't, those, those were just rumors online. I

changing

unsure what

after Vivienne spoke, Zinnia, anxious not to be implicated in a loss, stood up again. "What we're discussing here is Julian's misconduct. What does that have to

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

feeling a chill she