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

his eyes hesitating on

“Something on

asked, “Do you know where your

briefly scanning Baron, “You

Could you ask Percival to look into it? I’m

dropped, making it hard to read

necessary, Baron,” Vivienne replied with a hum, then

for a long

away, the corners of

car arrived at an apartment

scent of blood

stepped forward,

with medical supplies

had managed to evade the Vanguard Agency’s surveillance and return to his apartment with Baron’s

almost crippled his hand, and during his escape, Percival’s bullets had riddled his body. His injuries,

he would either have perished at sea or died from the

not dead yet, to your disappointment,”

accustomed to Scott’s demeanor, showed no surprise. “I didn’t lead Percival and Vivienne to

“I know.”

conversation. After changing his bandages, he retired to

to the resounding slam of

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

let’s go out for dinner. Mom and Dad will be there too. Are you

revealed, Dorian and Cordelia had moved out of Percival’s apartment and bought

window, her slender fingers tracing the spines of a succulent, Vivienne replied unhurriedly,

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

Vivienne’s gaze shifted to the window,

Percival to

not join. Just as she was about to dress and

“That’s

dinner, only a fool