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

eyes hesitating

noticed, “Something

a moment of silence, Baron asked, “Do you

icy gaze briefly scanning Baron, “You don’t

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

gaze dropped, making it hard to read his

Baron,” Vivienne replied with

a long while before

drive away, the corners of her lips

arrived at an apartment

scent of

Baron stepped forward,

couch, with medical supplies scattered

the Vanguard Agency’s surveillance and return to his

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

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

not dead yet, to your disappointment,”

showed no surprise. “I didn’t lead

“I know.”

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

the resounding slam of

relaxing bath and sleep at

go out for dinner. Mom and Dad

Cordelia had moved out of Percival’s apartment and bought their

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

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

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

texted Percival to see

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

thought, “That’s some

calls for dinner, only a