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 him

eyes hesitating

noticed, “Something on your

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

briefly scanning Baron,

Percival to look

making it hard to read his

think it’s necessary, Baron,” Vivienne replied with

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

Baron’s car slowly drive away, the

arrived at an apartment

scent of

you alright?” Baron stepped forward, eyeing the

couch, with medical supplies

Percival’s men, he had managed to evade the Vanguard Agency’s surveillance and return to his apartment with Baron’s help. This was their secret

lips were pale. The gunshot wound Vivienne inflicted on his wrist had almost crippled his hand, and during his escape,

have perished at

yet, to

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

“I know.”

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

to the resounding slam of the door, his

for a relaxing bath and sleep at the Brooks Mansion, she received an

and Dad will be there

Dorian and Cordelia had moved out of Percival’s apartment

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

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

him a call.” Vivienne’s gaze shifted to the window, her lips curling into an

she texted Percival

respond, so Vivienne assumed he would not join. Just as she was about to dress and leave, Percival’s car pulled

thought, “That’s

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