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 hesitating

“Something on

asked, “Do you

chuckled, her icy gaze briefly

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

gaze dropped, making it hard to

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

a long

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

car arrived at an

entering, the heavy scent of blood hit

stepped

with medical supplies scattered

Vanguard Agency’s surveillance and

lips were pale. The gunshot wound Vivienne inflicted on his wrist had almost crippled his hand, and during his escape, Percival’s bullets had riddled his body. His injuries,

have perished at sea or died from the

dead yet, to your

no surprise. “I didn’t lead

“I know.”

not interested in further conversation. After changing his

the resounding slam of the door, his expression

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

dinner. Mom and Dad

identity was revealed, Dorian and Cordelia had moved out of Percival’s apartment and bought their own place. Dorian was now keen to

a succulent, Vivienne replied unhurriedly, “Sure, which

right below Dad’s office building. There’s a place called ‘Haven.’ Invite your

shifted to the window, her lips curling into an

call, she texted Percival to see if he

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

thought, “That’s some

the wife calls for dinner, only a fool