Chapter 316: Unwelcome Encounters

Sierra hadn’t expected Autumn to react that way. She couldn’t help asking, “You’re not mad at him?” After all, when Jonathan’s identity was exposed, plenty of people online had lashed out, accusing him of causing job losses and financial ruin. Sierra knew Autumn’s parents had been among those affected—yet here Autumn was, so calm, even a little admiring. It caught her off guard.

Autumn shook her head. “What’s there to be mad about? Sure, I was annoyed at first, but that’s normal. It’s not like we control the market. Instead of whining, we might as well just work harder. Besides, it’s not like he was targeting my family specifically.”

Sierra felt the tightness in her chest ease. She’d been worried for so long that Autumn and the others would think less of Jonathan once they learned the truth. But in the end, they hadn’t disappointed her.

“But still…why would someone like him go after the Zach family?” Autumn asked, clearly curious. She didn’t understand the full picture, but from what she’d heard at home, it had definitely been an act of revenge.

Honestly, after finding out it was Jonathan behind everything, she had a hard time believing it. Every time she’d met him, he’d come across as polite and kind.

“Some personal reasons,” Sierra replied. Since it involved Jonathan’s private matters, she didn’t go into detail—and Autumn didn’t pry. “Well, whatever the reason, the guy obviously treats you really well. So if something’s bothering you, ask him. Don’t let stuff fester into a misunderstanding.” She was, after all, fully supportive of the couple.

“Okay.”

Sierra felt the tension finally fade from her shoulders. Maybe she had been letting too many outside opinions affect her lately.

As they chatted and wandered through the mall, they quickly picked out a gift for Professor Martin. When it was nearly time for dinner, Autumn suggested they eat out. Sierra checked her phone—no messages or calls from Jonathan. She called him, but no one answered. He was probably still tied up with work. Since she’d just be home alone anyway, she agreed.

They found a restaurant in the mall. Just after sitting down, Autumn suddenly said, “Hey, isn’t that the guy who came to our school that time?”

Sierra followed her gaze—and instantly spotted Shane still in his wheelchair. Her expression darkened immediately. She looked away. “Forget it. Let’s just order.”

Noticing Sierra’s clear distaste, Autumn didn’t push further. But some people just didn’t know when to quit.

“What a coincidence,” Shane said as he wheeled himself over, acting as if he didn’t notice the cold atmosphere. His eyes never left Sierra, as though he wouldn’t back down until she acknowledged him.

With Autumn sitting right there, Sierra kept her composure. “Do you need something?”

“Just saying hi to an old friend.” He glanced at the shopping bag in Sierra’s hand and gave a sly smile. “Gift for Mr. Yaeger?”

Quinn was one thing. But Shane? Who the hell did he think he was? She was just about to snap back when Autumn interjected, “It’s a gift for our professor.” She wasn’t stupid—she could clearly sense the tension between Sierra and Shane. And it was painfully obvious that Shane was trying to stir the pot. What kind of man acted like this?

Shane’s eyes flicked briefly to Autumn. Whatever he was thinking, it made him smile faintly. Meanwhile, Sierra sat rigid, clearly on guard. Seeing her like that, Shane chuckled softly. “Relax. This isn’t Maviston. It’s not a prison. What do you think I’m going to do?”

But the calmer he sounded, the more unsettled Sierra felt. Seeing her reaction, Shane suddenly lost all interest in keeping up appearances. His voice turned cold. “You treat me like I’m the enemy, but have you ever considered that the man you sleep beside might be worse than any enemy?” He’d said something like this before—and Sierra had ignored every word.

Apparently remembering that, Shane’s smile turned cruel. “I’ve got something. Want to see it?”

Sierra’s instincts screamed that it was bad news. She immediately refused—but Shane didn’t give her the chance. He fiddled with his phone for a moment, then held it out to her. She only needed a glance before jerking her head away. It was a series of data charts—illegal ones. She could tell at a glance. They detailed experiments that inflicted serious harm on the human body.

Then Shane spoke, his voice low and merciless. “Know who created this?”