Chapter 281: A Wound That Won’t Heal

Jonathan had already turned to leave, but he still caught that soft, almost inaudible, “I’m sorry.” His steps faltered slightly before resuming their usual pace, gradually walking away. He no longer needed that apology. He’d get justice for himself—he didn’t need anyone else’s remorse.

No matter how hard he tried to suppress it, the fury clinging to him refused to fade. Dickson, who had already been a little intimidated, now didn’t even dare to speak. Only Sierra seemed completely unfazed. When she saw him come back, she grinned and said, “Come on, come on, wash your hands and make pie—I’m starving.”

The moment Jonathan saw her smiling face and heard her voice, it felt like he’d stepped out of hell and returned to the world of the living. The frost that clung to him melted, and his whole body relaxed. “Alright.”

He washed up and changed into a T-shirt before coming back to make pie with Sierra. Sierra didn’t bring up anything about Chase. She just kept asking questions about how he made and cooked his pies. Jonathan answered patiently, explaining everything step by step.

Dickson watched them from the living room and couldn’t help but admire her. Sierra’s emotional strength was unreal. After pie, Dickson made a quick exit. Sierra glanced at Jonathan and said, “We’ve got nothing going on this afternoon. Want to invite Mateo and the others over?”

Jonathan knew exactly why she asked. “No need. I’m fine. He doesn’t have any power over me anymore.” Sierra looked at him for a moment. “I’m not asking what you’re going to do. Just promise me one thing—don’t get hurt.”

His heart warmed. “Okay.” He really was lucky to have Sierra. Without her, he might’ve already lost control and done something he couldn’t take back.

When Jonathan said he wouldn’t let it go, he meant it. Come Monday, he launched a fresh wave of attacks on the Zach family—more aggressive than before. Susie had been looking more and more exhausted lately, worn down by the problems plaguing her family. Chase felt a twinge of guilt when he saw her. “I’m sorry this thing between me and Jonathan dragged you into it.”

“What are you even talking about?” Susie gave him a disapproving look. Then, after a pause, a trace of sorrow crept into her expression. “This is my fault too. We’re both to blame.”

They exchanged a long glance, the kind only two people who shared history could understand.

“Don’t,” Susie said, her tone firm. She knew that the more Chase got involved, the worse things would get between him and Jonathan. “I’ll talk to Jonathan myself.”

This mess started with her. She just hoped Jonathan wouldn’t take it out on the entire Zach family. “Don’t go,” Chase said, shaking his head. “You know how he is. Talking to him won’t work.”

Then something occurred to him. “Maybe you should try that girl—Sierra.” The memory of that day at Jonathan’s house was still vivid. The way she had calmed him—he’d never seen anything like it. If anyone could bring Jonathan back to his senses, it was probably her.

“Sierra?” Susie repeated thoughtfully.

At the North Salem University lab building, Sierra was monitoring some data. She hadn’t gone to the cafeteria, deciding instead to survive on instant noodles. Just then, security called—someone was here to see her. She’d just wrapped up her work, so she headed downstairs, assuming it might be Shane.

Instead, she was met with a stranger—an elegant, well-dressed middle-aged woman. “Sierra?” Susie greeted her with a gentle smile. “I’m Jose’s mother. Can we talk?”

Sierra’s eyes narrowed, her expression immediately turning cold. “Sorry. I have an experiment to finish.” “Ms. Xander, I won’t take up much of your time. Please.” Susie’s tone was calm and polite. If she had come in acting entitled or self-important, Sierra would’ve walked away without a word. But the woman’s soft approach left her with no clear way to refuse.

Finally, she nodded. They didn’t go far—just stepped into a quiet corner near the building. “You already know who I am, so I’ll get straight to the point,” Susie said. “I’m here to ask you to speak with Jonathan. He’s coming down hard on my family. I know he hates me. But this has nothing to do with my relatives. If he needs someone to take it out on, let it be me.”

Susie wasn’t foolish. She’d done her homework before coming here and knew what kind of person Sierra was. So she didn’t waste time with pleasantries—she just laid her cards on the table.