Chapter 44: A Dangerous Bargain

“Alright, let’s go eat something.”

Sierra didn’t want to eat, honestly. She only wanted Jonathan to stay with her, even if only for a little while. She felt safe beside him; she only felt truly alive by his side.

Jonathan brought Sierra to a small congee shop. They offered many kinds of congee, light in flavor and comforting. Sierra hadn’t thought she could eat anything, but somehow, she managed to finish an entire bowl. Only then did she feel a little ease in her stomach.

Sierra couldn’t help but look at Jonathan. His thoughtfulness warmed her heart in a way she never expected. All of a sudden, she said, “I have an idea.”

Then, Sierra began questioning Jonathan about his profession.

Jonathan lost focus for a brief moment. He stared at Sierra, whose face was still pale, trying to seriously discuss the question of his profession with him. At that moment, he felt as though something had struck hard against his heart.

“Do you think it’s feasible!” Sierra asked, pulling Jonathan back to reality.

He snapped and cleared his throat. “Sorry, I was a little distracted…”

Sierra didn’t mind at all. She chuckled softly, and that smile made her look much better. “So Mr. Yeager daydreams too. It made me feel much better. I was starting to think you were untouchable.”

But in that moment, Sierra realized Jonathan, who seemed too perfect and powerful—someone many people looked up to—was human too. He had emotions and flaws like anyone else.

Her gentle teasing pulled them closer. Jonathan refocused and listened carefully as Sierra explained her ideas. He would even offer his insight from time to time. Time passed quickly as they spoke; they were unaware of how late it was until Sierra’s phone rang. This time, it was a call from Sean.

Sierra’s expression darkened as soon as she saw the caller ID. Jonathan looked at her and said, “If you don’t want to answer it, you don’t have to.”

Sierra shook her head. “I want to.” She then picked up the phone.

On the other end of the call, Sean hadn’t expected the call to actually go through. He was stunned to hear Sierra’s voice for a moment. The impatience he usually carried was replaced with a cautious and gentle tone. “Where are you? Do you need me to come pick you up?”

“No need,” Sierra replied, “Just say what you want to say, Mr. Sean. Don’t speak in this tone. You’re making me nervous.”

There was always something behind their kindness towards Sierra. She was tired and terrified; she no longer dared to accept it.

Sean took a brief pause and then quickly said, “The marriage alliance with the Richardson family has been postponed. We’ve convinced Father, and he said he would consider it. As long as you behave yourself and stop making Father angry, things should be alright soon.”

“No need,” Sierra cut in, “I think Mr. Kason is good enough. Thanks for finding me such an excellent match. Mr. Bradley was right. I should do something to repay; after all, I’ve spent the Xander family’s money.”

Sean hadn’t expected such a response from Sierra. He was stunned. “Do you even know what you’re saying? You…”

Sierra hung up the phone before Sean could finish.

Jonathan was beside Sierra during the conversation. He heard every word clearly. His expression darkened when he heard Sierra say Kason was a good match, and she agreed to the alliance between the two families.

He only spoke after Sierra hung up the phone. “Was everything you just said true?”

Cibers nodded. (The following is unintelligible and has been omitted.)

I wanted freedom. I no longer wanted to be tied down by the Xander family. Also, I wanted to do something for Subject 00060 and all those people.

Jonathan stared at Sierra and said, “It’s going to be dangerous.”

He didn’t know much about Kason. He only learned what kind of monster Kason was after his investigation yesterday. He didn’t understand how the Xander family could be so heartless and hand over their own daughter to someone like that.

Sierra looked at Jonathan and said slowly, “I long for freedom more than I fear death. I don’t want to have anything to do with them anymore.”

She had already made up her mind a long time ago. Initially, she thought she could endure it; after all, it was just three months. But now, barely half a month had passed, and she could not bear it anymore.

Sierra wanted to use this opportunity to cut ties with the Xander family.

Jonathan drove Sierra back to the Xander residence. He looked at her and said, “Call me if you ever need help.”

Sierra nodded, “Alright.”

She walked towards the house after watching Jonathan drive away. Then, she ran into Bradley, Evan, and Sean, who were about to head out to look for her.

Bradley stopped Sierra, looking furious. “Was it true? What have you just said over the phone? Are you out of your mind? Don’t you know what kind of person Kason is? His reputation is the worst, and rumor has it that he had even killed someone.”