Chapter 407 A Choice of the Heart

Johnathan had never been particularly fond of children. The only reason he paid extra attention to Dora was because Sierra cared so much about her. But that didn’t mean he agreed with the idea of adopting her.

He didn’t want anyone interfering with his and Sierra’s life. And after everything Quinn had done, he couldn’t help but feel wary.

Dora was too sharp for her age. Who knew if she might grow up to be another Quinn?

He kept those thoughts to himself, but he hoped Sierra would think things through carefully.

“We’re not lacking financially,” he said. “But you and I are always busy. We wouldn’t be able to spend much time with her. And I think what she needs most… is companionship.”

That struck a chord with Sierra. She hadn’t been fully committed to the idea anyway, and his words shook her even more.

After a pause, she said, “Then let’s find her a good home. One where she’ll be treated well.”

Johnathan quietly let out a breath of relief. “I’ll have someone start looking. In the meantime, my assistant can watch over her.”

“No need for now,” Sierra quickly replied. “I still have a few days—I can spend more time with her.”

Johnathan frowned. “Don’t forget, the exchange is coming up soon.”

It was a big deal, and Sierra hesitated. But then Johnathan added, “Don’t worry. My assistant and the others can take care of her. And for now, she’ll likely be under protection.”

Sure enough, Stone soon arrived with an update. With Quinn incapacitated and no new leads available, the military believed Dora might still hold useful information. At the same time, the organization could pose a threat to her—so Dora would remain under protective custody for now.

Stone also had a request for Sierra.

“Dora trusts you,” he said. “She’s willing to talk to you. So if possible, we’d like you to try asking her about what she remembers.”

Most children wouldn’t be able to help—but Dora wasn’t most children.

She was unusually mature and aware. She had known how to ask for help. The military hoped that through her, they might uncover more.

Sierra understood the weight of this task and nodded. “Don’t worry. I’ll do what I can.”

This organization was terrifying—and needed to be dismantled. Sierra wanted to do her part.

Dora had already become noticeably more cheerful. Especially after learning Quinn had been locked away and would no longer be forcing her to take medicine, she began to relax, even open up.

When Sierra asked questions, she answered without hesitation.

“Dora,” Sierra began gently, “I want to ask you about before. What do you remember? Any places or people that stood out to you?”

Dora thought for a moment. “I was in a room a lot. There were lots of people in white coats.”

Sierra and Johnathan exchanged a look. It sounded like she was describing a laboratory.

“Were there other kids besides you?” Sierra asked.

Dora nodded. “Lots of people. But I was the youngest.”

“Dora,” Johnathan said softly, “your father—did you ever see him in that room?”

Dora was quiet for a long time. “I don’t know who my dad is. They kept changing. Sometimes it was one person giving me medicine, sometimes it was another. Mommy didn’t come often. When she did, they said she was my mommy and told me to behave. If I behaved, they wouldn’t make me take the medicine.”

Every word Dora spoke made Sierra’s heart ache more.

She couldn’t continue, so Johnathan stepped in.

“When were you allowed to leave that place?”

“I don’t know!”

She didn’t understand time, but after thinking a moment, she added, “After I left, Mommy brought me here. They said I was good, so she could take me away. Mommy said if I stayed good and didn’t talk too much, I wouldn’t have to take the medicine that hurt.”

So she had been released just before returning to the country. Meaning, from birth until three years old, Dora had been kept in a lab—used as a test subject.

That part, at least, Quinn hadn’t lied about. But she had twisted the truth, shifting blame onto Timothy.

Then again, Timothy might not be entirely innocent either.

Sierra couldn’t listen any longer. She pulled Dora into her arms.

“No one is ever going to make you take that medicine again.”

“You’re free now.”

Dora didn’t quite understand what freedom meant—but she looked up with wide eyes and asked hopefully, “Does that mean I get to see you every day now?”

In her heart, Sierra was the best person in the world. She gave her gifts, read her stories, listened to her talk—and made the pain go away.

More than anything, Dora wanted to stay with Sierra.