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.

greeted

eyes

“Something on your

silence, Baron asked, “Do you

icy gaze briefly scanning Baron, “You

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

dropped, making it hard to

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

a long while before he left the

slowly drive away, the corners of her lips curling into a subtle,

arrived at

heavy scent

Baron stepped forward, eyeing

medical supplies scattered on the table before

the Vanguard Agency’s surveillance and return to his apartment with

and during his escape, Percival’s bullets had riddled his body. His

Baron, he would either have perished at sea or died from the

dead yet, to your disappointment,” Scott responded

showed no surprise. “I didn’t lead

“I know.”

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

listened to the resounding slam of the door,

bath and sleep at the Brooks Mansion, she received an unexpected call from

dinner. Mom and Dad will be there too. Are

had moved out of Percival’s apartment and bought their

of a succulent, Vivienne replied unhurriedly, “Sure, which restaurant? I’ll head

‘Haven.’ Invite your husband, too. Let’s have a

shifted to the window, her lips curling into an

texted Percival to see if

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

“That’s some

when the wife calls for dinner,