Chapter 331: The Quiet in Her Eyes

Jonathan leaned down and gently pressed his forehead to Sierra’s. He knew she already had so much on her plate, and now she was taking care of Dora too.

Sierra shook her head. “I’ll bring her with me to school tomorrow. I’ll have someone help watch her, and I’ll try to leave early in the afternoon.”

“Alright,” Jonathan replied, his voice rough.

They talked for a little while longer before heading back inside. Jonathan carefully picked Dora up, but the moment she was touched, she startled awake—her eyes full of fear. Only when she saw it was Jonathan and Sierra did she relax. The look in her eyes made Sierra ache even more.

Jonathan carried Dora out to the car and helped get them settled. He’d called a driver to take them home.

“Text me when you get there,” he reminded her.

Sierra nodded, just about to respond, when she noticed a large, dark stain spreading across Jonathan’s shirt. She hadn’t caught it before, but under the light, it was impossible to miss. She froze for a second.

Jonathan followed her gaze and explained, “She completely broke down earlier.”

Sierra nodded in understanding. “Get some rest too.” Then she took Dora home.

Sierra had always liked Dora. After hearing everything she’d been through, her heart softened even more. Once home, she bathed Dora and got her ready for bed. Since it wasn’t clear whether Jonathan would make it back, Sierra decided to sleep with Dora for the night.

She didn’t ask about what had happened. Dora was only three, but with all she’d endured, she was far more mature than most her age. When she saw Sierra curling up beside her, she blinked in surprise—then her face lit up with happiness.

“Sleep now, okay? I have to wake up early tomorrow. Want to come with me?”

Dora nodded.

The next morning, the moment Sierra called her, Dora got up without complaint. Though she was still sleepy, she didn’t fuss—just quietly followed Sierra around. That only made Sierra’s heart melt more.

When Sierra showed up at school with Dora in tow, it caused a stir. That post from before had spread like wildfire, with people speculating about Jonathan and Quinn’s relationship. But now that Sierra was bringing the child to school herself, those rumors fizzled out. Labs weren’t a place for just anyone—especially not toddlers.

Sierra spoke with security and set Dora up in the downstairs office with her toys. “Stay here, okay? I’ll come get you for lunch.”

Dora nodded obediently, and Sierra asked the guards to help keep an eye on her. Seeing how well-behaved Dora was, they readily agreed.

Autumn insisted on tagging along. When she saw Dora, Autumn let out a soft sigh. “She’s so sweet. No wonder you’re so attached. What about her mom?”

“She’s sick. In the hospital,” Sierra answered briefly, not going into the details. “Mr. Yeager’s looking after her, so Dora’s with me for now.”

“I’ll help you watch her,” Autumn offered immediately. She chatted warmly with Dora. Though Dora didn’t speak, she didn’t shy away either.

Understanding the situation, Autumn and the others urged Sierra to leave early in the afternoon.

“We’ll handle the data. You shouldn’t stay here right now. You can push through, but the kid can’t. She’s been stuck in an office all day—that’s rough.”

“Thanks, everyone,” Sierra said sincerely. Her team really was full of kind, easygoing people.

“No need for thanks! Go! I’ll bring snacks and toys for Dora tomorrow,” Autumn said, gently nudging Sierra. Sierra didn’t refuse. She was worried about Jonathan and Quinn, so she took Dora and headed straight for the hospital. Before they even entered, they heard Quinn’s crying from inside. Sierra paused instinctively and glanced down. But Dora didn’t react much.

Sierra whispered, “Your mom’s sick, she’s feeling really bad. Don’t be afraid of her, okay?”

Dora looked up at her, confused, then shook her head. “I’m not scared.”

Just as Sierra was about to push the door open, Dora added softly, “People cry a lot.”

Sierra froze. What did she mean? Other people? Dora had seen others cry before? So that monster hadn’t just used Quinn and Dora for his experiments? With a chilling thought forming in her mind, Sierra made a mental note to talk to Jonathan about it later.

She opened the door and stepped inside—only to see Quinn clinging tightly to Jonathan, clutching his arm like a lifeline, as if letting go would mean being swept away.