When the Flame of Love Fades. Chapter 403 Worth the Risk

Draven frowned at Johnathan. “That’s Sierra’s decision to make, not yours. Don’t be so controlling.” “Draven, are you asking for it?” Johnathan gave a cold laugh. “Don’t push me, or I’ll pull the funding.”

That threat finally shut Draven up, giving Mateo a chance to speak. “Sierra, I came to update you on the situation. Dora’s stable now—she’s awake, and we’ve got our people watching over her. She’ll be fine. As for Quinn and that man, the military has taken over. She’s not getting away this time. Quinn’s officially in their custody now, and their interrogation methods are no joke. No one can last under their pressure—we’ll find out who was behind all this. You don’t have to worry.”

“Thank you,” Sierra said sincerely.

She truly owed this to Mateo and the others. Without them, Dora wouldn’t have been rescued so quickly.

“Stone’s the one who should be thanking you,” Mateo said, waving it off. “You have no idea how big a deal it is to take down Quinn’s operation. He’s probably looking at another promotion.” “So make sure to ask for a few favors while you can!”

Mateo didn’t mention the benefits this success had brought him and the Yi family. Johnathan saw through it but didn’t call him out. He couldn’t be bothered to argue.

No sooner had Mateo and Draven left than Professor Martin arrived, followed by Autumn and a few others.

The moment Professor Martin laid eyes on Sierra, he scolded her. “That was reckless! Using an experimental drug on a human subject? Are you trying to get yourself blacklisted from the field forever?”

But after the outburst, the old man couldn’t help himself. “I thought you were more sensible than this brat. Turns out you’re just as crazy.”

When he’d heard Autumn’s account from the night before, his heart had practically stopped. He’d already taken two fast-acting heart pills that morning.

After the scolding, Professor Martin sighed. “It’s true what they say—each generation produces new talent. I’m getting old.”

Neither his courage nor his decisiveness could compare to this twenty-something girl.

He’d spent too much of his life worrying about consequences—so much that it held him back.

“I’m counting on your generation now,” he said with genuine pride. “But remember this—being bold is good. Having courage is good. But luck won’t always be on your side. Don’t gamble your future.”

Johnathan had already filed for a legal exemption after what happened last night. So even if things had gone wrong, Sierra wouldn’t have faced punishment. But in the academic world, a stunt like that could’ve destroyed her career. No one wants to work with someone who breaks the rules.

If she’d failed, no one would have protected her. That’s reality.

Professor Martin’s words came from the heart, and Sierra didn’t take them lightly. She nodded seriously. “I understand, Professor.”

If Dora hadn’t been involved, she never would’ve taken that kind of risk.

Seeing that she truly meant it, Professor Martin looked pleased. This student was different from that other rascal. That one never listened to anyone.

“By the way, good news,” he added. “The school wants you to represent us at the academic exchange ten days from now. Get some rest and start preparing. If you need anything, talk to your senior classmates. Don’t overdo it.”

He stopped just short of saying, "Go win it for us."

Their program was one of the best in the world. These so-called “exchanges” were really just disguised competitions. And every time, they lost to Bondville University. It was frustrating.

Johnathan had never been interested in those events. But now they finally had Sierra, and the school wanted to make a splash.

When Professor Martin was asked to assign someone, his first thought was thank goodness Sierra was easier to handle than that other brat. Otherwise, this never would’ve worked.

Sure enough, Sierra nodded. “Got it, Professor. I’ll prepare well.”

Now satisfied, Professor Martin glanced at Johnathan and huffed. “See that? That’s called respect for your teacher.”

Johnathan couldn’t help but laugh. “Professor, aren’t you being a little obvious with the favoritism?”

“I’d show you some favoritism too—if only you weren’t such a disappointment.”

With that, Professor Martin muttered to himself as he walked off, leaving everyone half amused, half exasperated.

Sierra couldn’t help but laugh. Autumn, starry-eyed, said, “Sierra, I officially declare that you’re now equal to Mr. Yaeger in my heart.”

Azure added dryly, “Are all women this fickle?”