Chapter 323: Quiet Cracks

She didn't know how to put her feelings into words. Even she felt like she was being petty. There wasn’t anything she could explain to Dickson, but somehow, he still picked up on her mood.

“Ms. Sierra,” Dickson said, frowning. “Did Mr. Yaeger do something to you?”

Seeing how worried he looked, Sierra smiled. “Of course not. Don’t overthink it.”

“But you don’t seem as happy as before,” he said. He hadn’t been around much lately, but he could tell how possessive Johnathan was of her. And since he wasn’t really family, Dickson had been careful not to overstep. Still, these last two visits, Sierra hadn’t looked as cheerful as she used to.

“It’s not like we fought or anything,” Sierra said, trying to explain. “It’s just… we’re still adjusting to each other.”

They came from different backgrounds and had very different views on life. It was only natural that they’d need time to get used to each other. Plus, so much had been happening lately. Sierra had a lot weighing on her, including the matter with Shane. She still hadn’t found a good moment to bring it up with Johnathan.

“Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing. Just focus on your studies,” she reassured him.

Dickson nodded, though he still said, “If he ever gives you trouble, just tell me. I’ll go deal with him.” He knew he couldn’t compare to Johnathan in any way, but there was no way he’d just stand by and watch Sierra get hurt. To him, she was already the only family he had left.

“Okay.” Sierra was a little touched. That kind of unconditional protection felt really good. She couldn’t help thinking about Johnathan and Quinn again, and suddenly, she didn’t feel quite so bothered anymore.

The next day, Sierra had to return to school. Johnathan drove her there with Dora in the car. As she got out, Dora clearly didn’t want to part with her, so Sierra knelt down and gently reassured her.

“I’ll come pick you up as soon as I can, alright?”

It was her first day back, and she didn’t know what her schedule would be like. The lab didn’t allow outside visitors, and definitely not kids, so there was no way she could bring Dora with her.

Dora nodded obediently. Sierra patted her little head before heading inside. Johnathan stood off to the side, caught off guard by the way she left – no goodbye, no look back.

He glanced at Dora. Kids were incredibly sensitive to emotional shifts, and Dora was especially so. She curled into herself like a little ball. Johnathan softened his expression and took her to the office.

By the time Sierra arrived at the lab, Autumn and the others were already there. The four of them glanced toward Azure’s empty desk, their expressions filled with unspoken feelings.

Before long, Professor Martin arrived. He looked noticeably older, though his energy was still good. He came bearing good news – the school had fought hard on their behalf. While they couldn’t partner with official institutions anymore, other opportunities remained unaffected. More importantly, Professor Martin had come up with a new research direction based on a theory Sierra had previously proposed and verified.

This was uncharacteristic of Professor Martin. Seeing him this way left the students with a strange feeling in their hearts.

Erwin immediately responded, “Professor, we’d never think that way. I’ll beat her fair and square.”

Professor Martin nodded, pleased. Each of his students had their own strengths.

Sierra hadn’t expected to be handed such a major responsibility so soon. She pulled Professor Martin aside afterward.

“Professor, I just got back…”

“But your abilities speak for themselves,” he replied. “This isn’t favoritism. It’s simply that the topic happens to be based on your theory, and you’re the best one to lead it. If it were a different direction, your seniors would probably be more qualified. Don’t feel pressured – I’ll be right here.”

With those words of encouragement, Sierra no longer hesitated. She’d been wanting to continue her research anyway and had already been working on expanding her theory. Now was the perfect time.

She quickly settled on a general direction and began discussing it with the team. Time flew. By the time she looked at her phone again, it was already past ten. Johnathan had called several times.

She hurriedly called him back. His voice came through tense and irritated.

“Why weren’t you answering?”

“I was just in a meeting with my seniors. We were discussing the project. I’m heading back now.”

She said a quick goodbye to Autumn and the others and left for home. When she got there, Johnathan was sitting in the living room, waiting, brows furrowed and clearly in a foul mood.