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

his eyes

“Something on your

a moment of silence, Baron asked, “Do you know where

gaze briefly

ask Percival to look into it? I’m afraid he might be in

gaze dropped, making it hard to

replied with

a long while before he left

her bedroom window, watching Baron’s car slowly drive away, the corners of

arrived at an

scent of blood

alright?” Baron stepped forward,

the couch, with medical supplies scattered

Vanguard Agency’s surveillance and

wound Vivienne inflicted on his wrist had almost crippled his hand, and during his escape, Percival’s bullets had riddled his body. His injuries, aggravated by a near drowning, were on

not for Baron, he would either have perished

to

showed no surprise. “I didn’t lead Percival and Vivienne

“I know.”

in further conversation. After changing his bandages,

slam of the door, his

and sleep at the Brooks

for dinner. Mom and Dad will be there too. Are you

moved out of Percival’s apartment and bought their own place. Dorian

spines of a succulent, Vivienne replied unhurriedly,

‘Haven.’

shifted to the window, her lips curling into an ambiguous

the call, she texted Percival to see

assumed he would not join. Just as she was about to dress

“That’s

Percival, when the wife calls for dinner, only a