When the Flame of Love Fades

Chapter 30: The Wrong Choice

Biologically, they were her family. Yet, here she was, tearing them apart. Jonathan should think she was terrible for doing this, right? But instead, he smiled, looking unexpectedly pleased.

“What gave you the idea that I have such a strong sense of morality?”

“Knowing how to fight back is a good thing.”

“And besides, you weren’t wrong. You’re just giving justice to the people who died.”

With that, he patted Sierra’s shoulder and left. Sierra stood still for a moment before she finally reacted, a smile forming on her lips. Something that had been pressing down on her heart felt a little lighter.

Meanwhile, Franklin and Bradley were overwhelmed. Whoever had exposed the scandal hadn’t just made empty accusations—they had provided detailed evidence, leaving The Xander Group completely defenseless.

“We need to get another report,” Franklin ordered.

“Dad, the public doesn’t trust us anymore. Even if we release a new report, people will just say it’s fake.”

Bradley rubbed his temples. He had already tried this approach, but no one believed them.

“Then find a more authoritative organization. A trusted expert.”

“Or go straight to the government,” Franklin said coldly.

Bradley started to respond but suddenly paused, a thought flashing through his mind. He knew exactly who they needed.

When Bradley appeared before him, Jonathan wasn’t surprised. He knew that if the Xander family wanted to salvage their reputation, they would need an expert to back them up. And he was the best candidate for the job.

Sure enough, Bradley didn’t waste time with pleasantries.

“Jonathan, I need your help with something.”

Jonathan rubbed his thumb and forefinger together thoughtfully before responding.

“What is it?”

“You’ve seen the scandal online, right? The public is out of control. We need you to conduct an evaluation and issue a statement.”

Bradley’s tone was straightforward. Jonathan’s reputation in the field was unmatched. Despite being under thirty, he had already surpassed many older experts in the industry. And because of his good looks, he had a huge following—even if he never actively engaged with the public. Not only did the general public trust him, but even professionals in the industry wouldn’t dare question his authority.

If Jonathan spoke up, this crisis would be over in no time. But instead of responding, Jonathan simply raised his eyes and asked,

“So tell me, is it true? Is there really nothing wrong with your drug?”

For some reason, even though Jonathan’s expression remained as calm as always, Bradley suddenly found it difficult to meet his gaze.

“Of course it’s fake! It’s just a smear campaign from our competitors. There’s nothing wrong with the drug!”

His voice was a little too loud, his tone a little too forceful. He thought this would make him sound more convincing. Instead, it came off as desperate.

Jonathan’s eyes flashed with amusement, but his tone remained gentle.

“In that case, bring me the drug.”

“I’ll run the tests myself. If it’s clean, I’ll issue a statement for you.”

Bradley was overjoyed. If Jonathan personally endorsed them, everything would be resolved quickly.

“Thank you!”

Jonathan smiled. “No need to thank me. We’re friends, aren’t we?”

Something about those words felt strange to Bradley, but before he could think too much about it, Jonathan spoke again.

“By the way, why did Sierra change her major?”

Bradley frowned, eyeing Jonathan carefully. Was he… interested in Sierra?

Suppressing his suspicions, he responded, “She was just being stubborn. What does she need biochemistry for? She only chose it to spite us.”

Jonathan gave him a look filled with undisguised disdain.

“So you all decided she wasn’t suited for it and forced her to transfer back?”

His tone had a sharp edge to it, something unusual for him. Bradley glanced at him warily but still answered, “It was my dad’s decision. Honestly, the literature department is a better fit for her. I can get her a respectable job afterward. It’ll make things easier when she gets married.”

After all, in a family like theirs, the right marriage was more important than career ambition. A woman too focused on work wasn’t ideal. Sierra just needed a degree to look presentable. No one actually expected her to use it.

Jonathan laughed. The Xander family really was blind. They were throwing away a true gem while clinging onto something worthless. Of course, he wasn’t going to tell them that. They could figure it out on their own.