Chapter 256: Shadows of the Past

Mateo and the others shook their heads. “We don’t know the exact reason. We just know he was in a really bad mood.”

“You know how Jon is. If he doesn’t want to talk about something, no one can make him. Sierra, don’t take it personally—it’s just how he is.”

“But it’s probably something to do with his family.”

The group, already aware of Sierra’s importance to Jonathan, decided to offer some insight. “Has he ever told you anything about his family?”

Sierra shook her head. “He’s only mentioned his mother.”

“Right. His relationship with his father is bad. His mom passed away a long time ago, and he used to live with his grandfather. But their family is big, and even though his grandfather favored him, he still had to consider the rest of the family. Do you get what I mean?” Mateo explained quietly.

Strictly speaking, telling Sierra this was overstepping boundaries. If Jonathan found out, he might not be happy about it. But they had been friends for so many years—they just wanted the best for him.

Sierra, who already suspected Jonathan wasn’t close with his family, wasn’t surprised. She nodded. “Thanks for telling me. Don’t worry, I won’t say anything.”

“Wait until he’s ready to tell you himself.”

“Oh, and—next week is his birthday.”

“Just… be mindful of that day,” Mateo said softly.

Sierra was about to ask what exactly she needed to be mindful of when Jonathan and Maddox returned. The group quickly changed the subject.

Draven turned to Sierra. “I work at XX Research Institute. Want to come check it out?”

XX Research Institute specialized in astrophysics, so Sierra had, of course, heard of it. Even though it wasn’t her field, it was the top space research institution in the country. If she had the chance, she definitely wanted to visit.

“Would that be allowed?”

Institutions like that weren’t easy to get into.

“Most people wouldn’t be able to, but you? No problem.”

Draven continued, “I’ll bring it up at work tomorrow and let you know.”

“Alright!” Sierra nodded.

Jonathan glanced at Draven and casually reminded him, “Don’t make her work for free.”

“Of course not!” Draven quickly reassured him. “I’d scam anyone before I’d scam Sierra!”

Sierra found it amusing—so this wasn’t just a visit, huh?

The conversation flowed naturally, shifting from one topic to another as they ate. The atmosphere remained light, and Sierra found herself truly enjoying it. She could tell that Mateo and the others had fully accepted her. They treated her as one of their own.

For over twenty years, she had never really had friends. This was a new feeling—one that felt oddly warm and unfamiliar.

On the drive back, the smile never left Sierra’s face.

“You’re that happy?” Jonathan asked.

“Yeah! Jonathan, your friends are great.”

“…Yeah.” Even Jonathan couldn’t argue with that.

Over the years, they hadn’t seen each other much, but their bond had never faded. After a brief hesitation, he added, “They’re the friends my mother found for me when she was still alive.”

After she passed, he never made close connections again.

Hearing him mention his mother, Sierra felt she had found an opening. She hesitated before carefully asking, “Did she pass away from an illness?”

This time, Jonathan didn’t answer right away. Sierra could see the resistance in his expression—his entire demeanor darkened. She was about to tell him he didn’t have to answer if he didn’t want to, but just then, Jonathan spoke.

“No. She didn’t die from an illness.” His voice was low and strained. “She… killed herself.”