Chapter 460 Not a Puppet

That day, Sierra’s words had shaken Susie deeply. When she returned home, she couldn’t stop thinking about them.

They had all taken too much for granted. Jonathan was a human being, not a puppet. He had his own thoughts and will.

Just like Sierra said—feelings that have been given can’t simply be taken back. He had hated them for so many years. How could they expect him to suddenly forgive them?

All she wanted now was for Jonathan to at least stop seeing them as strangers.

“Dad, let’s give him more time,” Susie said softly.

Chase agreed. “No one could accept something like this easily.”

And especially not Jonathan—someone with such an extreme personality.

Wayne thought for a moment and said, “Then let’s wait a little longer. But we’ll need to start with Sierra.”

They all knew how important Sierra was to Jonathan. As long as she was willing to speak for them, Jonathan’s attitude might soften.

“Sierra’s not easy to deal with either,” Susie added.

She had met Sierra and knew her personality wasn’t as easygoing as her appearance might suggest.

“She’s still better than Jonathan.”

Wayne thought for a while longer before saying, “In a few days, I’ll invite them over for dinner. I’ll try talking to Sierra then.”

With that, he dismissed Chase and Susie.

Two days later, Sierra received a call from Wayne. “You’re not spending the New Year at home this year, so why don’t you two come back early for dinner?”

Sierra discussed it with Jonathan, and the two of them agreed.

Wayne spending New Year’s alone in the old house would be too bleak.

Sierra bought a few thoughtful gifts, even though she knew Wayne lacked nothing. It was her way of showing respect. She also prepared some herbal remedies for foot soaks—things especially good for the elderly.

There were only three people for dinner, so they didn’t go overboard—five dishes and a soup, but everything was top quality.

Sierra and Jonathan sat with Wayne for the meal. Afterward, Wayne asked Sierra to take a walk with him.

Jonathan was about to go too, but Wayne said, “There’s some paperwork in the study that needs dealing with. It’s gotten to my desk again.”

Jonathan immediately understood—Wayne wanted to talk to Sierra alone. He was about to speak when Sierra said, “Mr. Yeager, go ahead. I’ll walk with your grandfather.”

Jonathan glanced at her and nodded.

The old estate was large. Even the courtyard was dotted with seasonal blooms as Sierra strolled with Wayne.

Wayne did most of the talking. Sierra simply listened, offering no comments.

He talked a lot about Jonathan’s childhood.

Sierra had already guessed Wayne’s intentions when he called. Now, hearing him bring up Jonathan’s early years, she finally responded.

“You said yourself he wasn’t like this as a child. You should know what made him change. If you’d told him the truth back then, none of this would’ve happened.”

Wayne hadn’t expected her to speak so bluntly. He sighed.

“It was already too late by then. We had too many concerns… and Wendy’s condition had to be considered."

He continued, “She wasn’t well—physically or mentally. She saw everyone as a threat trying to take her child. When she took Jonathan to the manor, we had no choice but to let her. Even Chase wasn’t allowed to visit. That’s why Jonathan always said his father wasn’t around.”

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to be—it was that he wasn’t allowed.

Wendy had saved their family. Without her, Jonathan wouldn’t have survived.

Wayne had only learned the full story much later.

He’d been furious when he found out—but by then, what could he do? The damage was done. All he could do was go along with the secrecy.

He had known this would come back to haunt them. And it had. After Wendy died, Jonathan changed completely.

Wayne had tried to guide him, but it was too late. All he could do was continue helping to hide the truth.

And in the end, they still couldn’t keep the secret. Everything had finally exploded.

As Wayne spoke, painting a picture of hardship and helplessness, Sierra stayed quiet.

Whether it was Wayne or Susie, they all believed they had their reasons for what they did.

And maybe they did. Maybe all those reasons really did shape what happened.

But as she’d said before—everyone has their reasons. That doesn’t mean Jonathan should be forced to accept it all.

“Grandpa,” she said quietly, “I understand what you’re trying to say. But Jonathan has his own thoughts. He’s not a puppet. We can’t force him to do anything. Let’s just leave it to time.”