Chapter 190: Heartfelt Confessions
“What?” Eleanor’s head tilted, and she fainted. Evan and Scan scrambled to help her, their actions marked by panic.
In contrast, Sierra, Jonathan, and Dickson were gathered in Lily’s hospital room. This was the first time Sierra formally introduced Jonathan to Lily. Lily had heard about the day’s courtroom drama and looked at Sierra with sympathy. “Sierra has been wronged,” she said.
“Not wronged, I still have Grandma!” Sierra hugged Lily, then shared some promising news. “The initial trials have gone well, and it should be ready for clinical use soon. Grandma, you’ll be better soon.” Though Lily didn’t understand the specifics, she knew from Oscar and others how much Sierra had done for her, and she gently embraced Sierra.
Their gathering was joyful, and perhaps buoyed by the good mood, Lily’s appetite improved significantly. She even requested the buns from a small alleyway shop and pastries Dickson had once brought her.
“I’ll go now,” Dickson said, quickly standing up. “Where is that bun shop, Sierra? Tell me, and I’ll go buy them.”
The shop was hard to find, lacking even a name. Sierra considered going herself, glanced at Jonathan, who said, “You go, I’ll stay here with Grandma.” Sierra nodded and left with Dickson, while Jonathan watched them enter the elevator before returning to the room.
“Grandma, did you want to talk to me about something?”
Jonathan was sharp. He knew Lily’s request for the food was her way of wanting some private words with him, something Sierra probably realized too, hence her cooperation in leaving.
Lily didn’t speak immediately but instead studied Jonathan carefully, noticing he had donned glasses again—a tactical choice to appear more approachable to an older person. His cultivated, gentle demeanor was indeed likable, especially after learning he was a university professor, which only added to her good impression. Still, she had her concerns.
“Mr. Yeager, you know Sierra’s situation with the Xander family; there’s no going back for them. On her mother’s side, it’s just me, an old disabled woman, and now Dickson, her adoptive brother. Would your family mind?”
Although Sierra and Jonathan hadn’t discussed his family background, Lily sensed his privileged upbringing. Her years of experience told her a lot about a person’s social standing from their speech and dress. Would a family like his truly accept Sierra without reservations? Older people often worry more, and she naturally thought ahead for Sierra.
Jonathan furrowed his brow slightly, not having thought that far yet, but since Lily asked, he felt compelled to respond. “I make my own decisions.”
“I see,” Lily nodded, her eyes sharp enough to catch the nuances in Jonathan’s expression. So, Jonathan hadn’t yet considered his future with Sierra. How could I entrust Sierra to him knowing this!
Though their relationship was new and its future uncertain, Lily felt her days were numbered. Sierra’s treatment might keep her from worsening, but it couldn’t heal her old, hidden injuries. There were many things she…
Her biggest concern remained Sierra. Could I trust this man in front of me?
Jonathan, sensing her worry, said, “Grandma, don’t worry, I won’t hurt Sierra, nor will I let anyone else hurt her.” His future considerations might not extend far, but he was confident in his ability to keep that promise.
Lily’s eyes flickered with relief. “That’s good to hear.”
She paused before adding, “If one day you feel it’s not working out, just talk to her gently. Don’t let her get too upset. She’s faced a lot of hardships since she was young, and I won’t be around much longer to support her.”
As she spoke, Lily suddenly began to cough violently. Jonathan quickly got up to get her water, but his expression darkened when he saw blood on her palm. Realizing he had seen, Lily made him promise, “Don’t tell her!”