Chapter 220: A Dangerous Game

With her grandmother gone, there was even less to hold Sierra back. Mr. Richardson knew that much. He had trusted Kason’s instincts before, and he trusted them now—talented people always came with a bit of arrogance. He kept the conversation light, playing the role of the amiable businessman, but all the while, his focus remained on Jonathan. Sierra, to him, was simple: a rising star, unpredictable but ultimately easy to understand. Jonathan, on the other hand—that was the one he needed to figure out.

A man with skills like his, yet no interest in working for capital? That meant he had a backing of his own. Now, the question was—who was behind him? And just how deep did his influence run?

Listening to the exchange between Jonathan and Mr. Richardson, Sierra finally understood what true business negotiations looked like. Jonathan was showing her another side of himself. Not the refined scholar. Not the aggressive predator. But someone who navigated power plays with effortless ease. A man who knew exactly when to push and when to retreat. Sierra was fascinated. Just how many sides did this man have? She didn’t even realize she was staring, but Kason did. His expression darkened, his grip on his cigarette tightening. By now, he knew he’d been played. Sierra had strung him along. He had been genuinely interested in her—enough to put real effort into winning her over. And she had toyed with him. Eason was so furious he almost laughed.

Sierra, sensing Kason’s sharp gaze, casually squeezed Jonathan’s hand under the table. Then she stood up, going to the restroom. Kason waited exactly three seconds before getting up as well. Jonathan’s expression didn’t change. Even Mr. Richardson, seated right across from him, didn’t notice the brief flicker of coldness in his eyes. Sierra walked at a steady pace, not too fast, not too slow.

She had expected this. She had only taken a few steps before a hand grabbed her wrist, yanking her into an empty private dining room. Kason’s grip was tight, his jaw clenched. “You played me,” he said through gritted teeth. Sierra yanked her arm free. “Let go.” Even in this situation, there wasn’t a trace of fear in her eyes. Only disdain. She knew exactly the kind of man Kason was. And she knew he liked this kind of resistance. Sure enough, Kason’s anger cooled just slightly. He watched her for a moment, then let go, stepping back.

“Sierra,” he said slowly, “I’m not happy.” She pushed past him, voice indifferent. “Why should I care?” Kason chuckled in disbelief. He had never met anyone who dared to speak to him this way. His smile turned sharp. “You care about him that much?” His voice dropped into something far more sinister. “Then maybe I should just kill him.”

The moment those words left his mouth, Sierra’s gaze turned ice-cold. Kason thought she was about to get angry—but instead, she spoke calmly. “I still find him interesting,” she said, her tone casual. “If you touch him, I’ll make you regret it.” Kason stilled. Then, strangely, he relaxed. He thought about it from his own perspective—he, too, didn’t want anyone touching Sierra while she still interested him. And right now, Jonathan was the same for her. That was fine. For now.

“How long will that last?” Kason asked. Sierra gave him a bored glance. “Who knows.” Kason exhaled slowly. “Don’t make me wait too long, Sierra,” he said, voice quiet but full of warning. “I can’t promise I’ll behave forever.”

She met his eyes without flinching. “You want to act crazy? Go do it somewhere else. Don’t bring it to me.” Kason had always liked her sharp tongue. Maybe because no one else dared to talk to him this way. The more she insulted him, the more exhilarated he felt. It was twisted… maybe even masochistic. But he enjoyed it.

“Sierra.” He reached for her, but she slapped his hand away. “Talk business or get lost.” Kason grinned, tilting his head. “Have you thought about what I offered you?” Sierra didn’t respond. Kason leaned in slightly.

“You like it, don’t you?” he murmured. “Do you really think your precious Mr. Jonathan can give you everything you want? Sierra, I can offer you things he never will. And I know it’s exactly what you desire.”

Sierra let him speak. Then, after a pause, she said, “He can’t find out.” Kason’s grin widened. He lowered his voice, as if sharing a secret. “Of course not. This will be just between us.” He moved in closer, his lips just barely brushing her cheek—Sierra shoved him back. Her eyes were sharp. “I said don’t let him find out.” Kason exhaled, lips curling into a smirk. “Erit,” he said, voice amused. “I like a little secrecy too.”