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

Baron asked, “Do you know where

briefly scanning

Percival to

gaze dropped, making it hard to

it’s necessary, Baron,” Vivienne replied with

door for a long while

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

arrived at an apartment

the heavy scent

alright?” Baron stepped forward,

on the couch, with medical supplies scattered

he had managed to evade the Vanguard Agency’s surveillance and return to

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

perished at sea or died from the festering

not dead yet, to your disappointment,” Scott

showed no surprise. “I

“I know.”

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

listened to the resounding slam

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

and Dad will be there

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

by the window, her slender fingers tracing the spines of a succulent, Vivienne replied unhurriedly, “Sure, which restaurant?

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

shifted to the window,

texted Percival to see

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

“That’s some

dinner, only a fool would not be