Chapter 123: Undercurrents

Jonathan nodded, and without another word to the Xanders, they left together.

After their departure, the results of Denise’s medical examination came in, and the situation was dire—immediate surgery was necessary. This was exactly what Denise had wanted, although the severity was far beyond what she had planned. The Xander family waited outside the operating room, each person’s face a mask of worry.

Sean couldn’t help but blame Sierra. “This is all Sierra’s fault, if it wasn’t for her…”

“Stop,” Bradley interrupted, taking a moment before adding, “She’s not wrong, though. We were the ones who begged her to come.” It was a classic case of reaping what you sow. They knew Sierra disliked Denny, yet Bradley had sought Sierra out at Denny’s insistence.

How many times had this happened? Bradley could hardly remember. They had promised to treat Sierra better, but it seemed every time there was a crisis, they forgot their own words. No wonder Sierra didn’t trust them anymore—he didn’t think they were trustworthy either.

“But, is Sierra really with Jonathan?” Evan, who had been silent, finally spoke up. If that was the case, it made sense that Sierra knew about the unpublished research.

Sean, unaware of what Evan was thinking, grumbled, “Sierra is one thing, but what about Jonathan? Just because he’s a bit higher in academic status, what’s so great about that? I think Sierra’s just been charmed by him, that’s why she’s cut us off. If it wasn’t for Jonathan, she’d definitely come back to the Xander family.”

Though unintended by the speaker, the listeners took these words seriously. Bradley and Evan exchanged glances, each lost in thought.

The more Sean thought about it, the more he believed he was right. “I’m going to have someone teach him a lesson.” He expected Bradley to stop him but was surprised when Bradley simply cautioned, “Just be careful not to get caught.”

Bradley had his own reasons. He had heard rumors about Jonathan’s prestigious background during school days, but they were just that—rumors! He also saw this as an opportunity to probe into Jonathan’s background. Perhaps, without Jonathan, Sierra might reconcile with them?

The Xanders’ schemes were unknown to Sierra, who quickly let go of Jonathan’s arm after leaving the hospital, fearing she might hesitate if she waited any longer. Humans crave warmth, and Jonathan was like the sun, always tempting one to chase after him.

Jonathan noticed her actions, his eyes darkening slightly, though he said nothing. “Where to now? Want to check out that lab I mentioned?”

Sierra shook her head. “I need to go home. I’m supposed to meet Dickson to visit Daphne today.”

“Why the sudden decision to visit Daphne?” He knew Sierra wasn’t particularly close to Daphne. He had tried to find out what Sierra went through during her three years in prison, but information was scarce, limited to a few hospital records from her injuries and little else. It was as if someone was deliberately obstructing him, and that someone was a madman from the Goodman family. So, he had pulled some strings to send Shane back to Albanos, allowing his people to investigate, though full details were still forthcoming. Sierra recounted Dickson’s unusual behavior from the day before.

Chapter 123: Undercurrents

“He probably misses his sister, so I thought I’d take him to see her.” Again, because of Dickson! Jonathan frowned deeply and said, “I’ll come with you and drive; it’ll be easier.” Without giving Sierra a chance to refuse, Jonathan got into the car.

Once in the car, he casually asked, “Have you thought about what I mentioned the other day? About sending Dickson somewhere safe for now?”

Sierra shook her head. “Dickson’s current condition isn’t right for that. I’m worried about him being alone out there.”

“Thank you, Mr. Yeager.” Jonathan just smiled and said nothing, his fingers tapping irregularly on the steering wheel—a sign of his irritation. Although he hid it well, Sierra could still sense a shift in his demeanor.

Unaware of his thoughts, she assumed he was just upset about being kindly rejected and quickly explained, “I really appreciate it, Mr. Yeager, but you know Dickson’s situation. Dr. Abigail also said it’s not good for him to leave a familiar place right now.”