Chapter 146: Crash the Party

Jonathan wasn’t surprised Sierra could guess his thoughts. He quirked an eyebrow and retorted, “What can they possibly do to trouble me?” His statement, though arrogant, was backed by genuine confidence.

“Let’s go grab some food. I’ve booked us a restaurant,” Jonathan said.

At this, Sierra’s interest was piqued. “Have you really never been in a relationship before?” She was impressed. She had thought he was as clueless as she was about what to do.

Jonathan glanced at Sierra with a smile. “Nope! Maybe it just comes naturally?” He didn’t feel the slightest bit guilty, as if the person who stayed up strategizing until dawn yesterday wasn’t him.

Sierra reluctantly accepted his response. His intelligence shows in many areas, and Jonathan clearly is that kind of person.

They drove to the restaurant, and on the way, Sierra started talking about her research progress. “It’s all set up; now we’re moving into the testing phase.” She couldn’t handle the experiment alone, and she hadn’t yet figured out how to manage the testing and clinical phases, since that would require approvals, not just her decision.

“I’ll help,” Jonathan chimed in. “I’ll find someone.” His voice had barely faded when his expression shifted slightly. Sierra noticed and quickly asked, “What’s wrong?”

Jonathan glanced in the rearview mirror, his expression slightly annoyed. “It’s nothing! Just some nobody!”

Soon, they arrived at the restaurant Jonathan had booked, and he let Sierra out first. “Are you sure it’s nothing?” Sierra asked, concerned.

Jonathan didn’t hide it. “A few friends showed up! I’ll go handle them.” At that moment, Jonathan regretted calling Mateo yesterday. It was only their first date, and those guys had already shown up, acting all sneaky. It was really annoying.

Seeing that he didn’t seem to be lying, Sierra didn’t push further and headed to the private room.

“We’ve been spotted,” Mateo said nervously as he saw Jonathan waiting. “You think you could hide from him?”

It was Maddox who spoke, the same one who had confronted Mateo yesterday.

“Should we run?” Mateo felt a chill down his neck, unsure if they could still make a getaway.

“Grow up!” Maddox scolded softly, though his expression wasn’t as calm as he portrayed.

Despite their reluctance, their car stopped right in front of Jonathan.

“Jonathan, what a coincidence! Maddox and I were bored, so we came down to Maviston for some fun. We hadn’t even called you, and just happened upon you,” Mateo sycophantically said.

Maddox sneered at his friend’s boot-licking, but when it was his turn to speak, he couldn’t help but act similarly.

“You’ve been in Maviston and haven’t gone back, so we wanted to see what Maviston has to offer!”

Jonathan glanced at them, then looked back at the car. “Just you two? Where are Stone and Draven?”

“They don’t have the same freedom as us,” Mateo hurriedly explained. Seeing Jonathan’s mood lighten, he grew bolder. “Jonathan, the person who just went in is…”

They hadn’t dared to follow too closely, so they only saw a figure from a distance; they were even more afraid to dig into Jonathan’s affairs, knowing his tendency to hold grudges and seek revenge. Yet, he was curious about who could make Jonathan consider dating.

Seeing him scratching his head, Jonathan scoffed, “Curious?”

Mateo nodded desperately, but Jonathan pressed his lips together. “Keep your curiosity to yourself. Maviston isn’t that exciting: head back early!”

With that, Jonathan left them behind and headed into the restaurant. Today was his and Sierra’s first date, and he wouldn’t let anyone disturb it.

“He just… left like that?” Mateo couldn’t believe his eyes as he watched Jonathan walk away; they had rushed over overnight, and Jonathan just left them hanging. Jonathan was truly wild. He dared only mutter this complaint in his thoughts.

“Let’s go in,” Maddox said.

Mateo was startled; Maddox was really bold.

“We’ve got to eat too,” Maddox reasoned, feeling Mateo’s intelligence was questionable.

Realizing this, Mateo quickly followed. Maddox was right; they had to eat, and whatever happened next was beyond their control.

Sierra was just looking at the menu when Jonathan returned.