Chapter 70: She Was Never Truly Part of Them

She mumbled to Eleanor, who sat in silence, and teared up. “Mom, it’s all my fault. If it weren’t for me… Sierra wouldn’t have…”

In the past, whenever she said this, Eleanor would rush to comfort her, stating it wasn’t her fault. Unable to resist, Denise glanced at her mother, only to see Eleanor’s eyes filled with guilt.

“We wanted her…”

With that, Eleanor also got up and left. Jealousy flickered across Denise’s face, but the thought of never having to see Sierra again left her feeling refreshed.

Meanwhile, thanks to Cameron’s prior arrangements, the observation period was easily dealt with. As the electronic ankle monitor was removed, so too were the shackles that had bound Sierra. She took a deep breath of fresh air. She was finally free: no more constant surveillance, no more invasion of her privacy.

“Thank you,” she said politely to Brailley before turning to leave. But Bradley stopped her.

“I know you won’t go back. This is a house I own in Queensland Bay; you can live there. I’ll have it transferred to your name later.”

Bradley had expected Sierra to refuse, but to his surprise, she took the keys without hesitation.

“Thanks,” she said again. She wasn’t stupid. There was no reason to turn down a free house. She had already spent nearly half the money she’d taken before for Lily’s medical expenses, and her experiments all required funding. And now, there was also Dickson. The burden on her shoulders wasn’t light. If she had to buy a house, she would have no money left. Since someone was offering her one, there was no reason to refuse.

Seeing her accept the house, Bradley let out a sigh of relief. It made him feel slightly better.