The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Every time Vivienne spent time with Jasper, she felt a warmth envelop her.

This warmth was different from the kind she felt in the company of Dorian.

Dorian’s kindness stemmed from his affection for her mother and, by extension, to her, much like Cordelia had shown.

Though it was a case of loving the house and its crow, it was genuine through and through.

But with Jasper, it felt as if it was innate.

Especially when Jasper looked at her, his gaze held the same affection as when he looked at Natalia.

Vivienne had a long chat with Jasper in the ward, where Zelda had brought out an array of snacks, fussing over her like a child.

When it was time to leave, Vivienne said her goodbyes, “I’ll come see you again next time. It’s going to get colder in a few days. Make sure you wear more than just that thin shirt.”

Jasper nodded vigorously. “Yes, yes, I’ll go shopping for some warm clothes tomorrow; bundle myself up nice and cozy.”

Zelda sighed from the side. “You only listen to Vivienne. I’ve been telling you to dress warmer, but you never pay heed.”

They all shared a laugh, and with that, Vivienne got up to leave.

Once she was gone, Jasper’s smile slowly faded, tinged with a hint of reluctance.

“Is everything collected?” Jasper asked.

Zelda nodded. “Don’t worry, Dad. I’ve kept the cup Vivienne used. I’ll hand it over to Yuri tonight and have him personally supervise the paternity test.”

Jasper sighed silently and sat back down, continuing to play with his granddaughters.

…

Meanwhile, Vivienne returned to the Brooks Mansion.

Pushing the door open, a chill swept through, prompting her to wrap her coat tighter. Just as she was about to head to her room, she encountered Baron.

Vivienne greeted him

responded, his eyes

noticed, “Something on your

asked, “Do

icy gaze briefly

worried. Could you ask Percival to look into it? I’m

dropped, making it hard

you think it’s necessary, Baron,” Vivienne replied with a hum,

Vivienne’s door for a long while before he left the

bedroom window, watching Baron’s car slowly drive away, the corners of her lips curling into a

at an

heavy scent

alright?” Baron stepped forward, eyeing the

with medical supplies scattered

managed to evade the Vanguard Agency’s surveillance and

had almost crippled his hand, and during his escape, Percival’s bullets had riddled his body. His injuries, aggravated by

perished at sea or died

dead yet, to your disappointment,”

surprise. “I

“I know.”

off, clearly not interested in further conversation. After changing his bandages, he retired to

slam of the door, his expression

and sleep at the Brooks Mansion, she received

and Dad will be there too. Are

out of Percival’s apartment and bought their own place. Dorian was now keen to focus

window, her slender fingers tracing the spines of a succulent, Vivienne replied unhurriedly, “Sure, which restaurant? I’ll head

building. There’s a place called ‘Haven.’ Invite your husband, too. Let’s have a

to the window, her lips curling into an ambiguous

texted Percival to see if he was

respond, so Vivienne assumed he would not join. Just as she

thought, “That’s

Percival, when the wife calls for dinner, only a fool would not