The Decision

Johnathan’s expression turned grave. Technology like that wasn’t something just any country possessed.

He exchanged a look with Stone, and both saw the same weight reflected in the other’s eyes.

“What about the man?” Sierra asked quickly. She remembered Dora saying there had been someone else involved.

“He died the day after his arrest. Poisoned himself. He couldn’t withstand the interrogation and didn’t want to spill anything. He crushed a poison capsule hidden in a fake tooth.”

Stone didn’t hide the truth from them. After all, they were already involved. It was all classified information.

Sierra’s face went pale. What kind of organization were they dealing with, that they’d go to such lengths? That man would rather die than reveal anything.

After Stone left, Johnathan’s expression remained dark. He wasn’t worried about himself–he was worried about Sierra.

From what they had learned so far, that organization had already set its sights on her. They wouldn’t give up easily.

So, in the end, Johnathan made up his mind. He would take full advantage of the upcoming academic exchange. This was their chance–to see if Sierra was still being tracked and, hopefully, to draw out whoever might be lurking in the shadows.

Because of this, Johnathan remained constantly on edge. Despite his body not being fully healed, he started pushing for rehabilitation–only to be firmly shut down by Sierra.

“Johnathan, stop pushing yourself. They want me for my knowledge and research, not to kill me. But if you keep pushing your body like this, you really might die. Do you understand?”

His internal organs had been severely damaged, and it had only been a few days since the accident. Yet here he was, already wanting to get up and move.

“You can only protect me if you’re fully recovered. Mr. Yaeger–don’t get your priorities mixed up.”

Of course, Johnathan understood. But he couldn’t shake the anxiety in his heart–an unease he couldn’t even explain to her.

Then, finally, a piece of good news arrived–Dora had recovered completely.

For days, there had been no signs of the virus in her blood. Every test came back clean. The doctors finally gave the green light for her to be discharged.

The first thing Dora did after hearing the news was beg Mateo to take her to see Sierra and Johnathan.

“Ms. Sierra!”

Chapter 406

Her soft little voice rang out as she entered the room.

Then, as if she suddenly thought of something, she looked up and asked carefully, “Can I still call you Ms. Sierra?”

She wasn’t even four years old, yet the way she carried herself broke everyone’s heart. Even Johnathan felt his chest tighten.

“Of course you can,” Johnathan said gently. “She is who she is. And you’re you.”

Everyone understood who she was. Johnathan couldn’t even bring himself to say “your mom” when referring to Quinn–her actions had disqualified her from that title.

Hearing that, Dora’s whole face lit up. She skipped over to Sierra, not saying a word–just looking at her.

In those dark moments, she had truly believed she was going to die. All she had wanted was to hear one more story from Sierra.

Her aunt had still been there, reading to her with that same warm, soothing voice.

Everyone had told her Sierra was the one who saved her life. Without her, she would’ve never woken up again.

Dora had already adored Sierra. Now, she loved her beyond words.

Seeing the trust and attachment in Dora’s eyes, Sierra said softly, “It’s over now. They’ll never hurt you again.”

She had considered adopting Dora–but this wasn’t a decision to make lightly. Dora wasn’t a kitten or a puppy–she was a child, and a deeply vulnerable one at that.

Sierra didn’t bring it up. She just stayed with her, played with her a while, and when the little girl fell asleep she turned to Johnathan.

“What do you think we should do about Dora? Any ideas?”

Johnathan looked at her. “You’re thinking about adopting her?”

Sierra blinked. She hadn’t expected him to see through her so quickly.

After a pause, she admitted, “I do think Dora’s sweet–and she’s been through so much. But I’m not sure I could raise her well.”

They were both far too busy. They barely had time for themselves, let alone a child.

And Dora was different from Dickson; Dickson was an adult–he could take care of himself. Dora couldn’t.

She had endured too much. She was incredibly sensitive. And Sierra honestly didn’t know if she had what it took to raise her right.

“Let’s find her a good home,” Johnathan said.