Chapter 87: The Surprise Guest at the Lab

Sierra had spent the entire day in the lab, but this time she wasn’t staying late. Just as she was about to leave with some ideas in mind, she ran into someone she hadn’t expected—Kason. After their last meeting, Kason had been away on business, and they hadn’t been in touch for days. She hadn’t expected to bump into him here.

Seeing her, surprise washed over Kason’s face. “What are you doing here?”

He glanced at the lab behind her. “Is this the lab you’re using?”

Instead of answering, Sierra asked, “And what brings you here?”

“Because my family owns this research institute!” Kason replied, giving Sierra a meaningful look. “It seems we really are fated…”

Sierra’s expression darkened slightly. She hadn’t realized that the research institute belonged to the Richardson family, and the connection between Shane and Kason was deeper than she had thought.

“Are you done for the day? Want to grab some dinner?” Kason invited her, his gaze intent on Sierra. Naturally inclined to get closer to him, she agreed without hesitation.

She changed her clothes and left with Kason. As they departed, she glanced back at the institute with a slight frown. She had a hunch, but she wasn’t sure if it was true.

Kason took Sierra to a restaurant and into a private dining room. Sierra’s face changed subtly as she entered; she hadn’t been here before, but the room was strangely familiar. The things Shane had shown her included this room twice. Looking at the large floor-to-ceiling windows, unsettling images flashed through her mind, making her feel physically sick.

“What’s wrong?”

Noticing her hesitation, Kason took a couple of steps toward her. Sierra instinctively stepped back, then quickly composed herself and rubbed her forehead, saying, “Maybe I’m just lightheaded from hunger.”

“Sit down,” Kason said, reaching out to help her. This time, Sierra didn’t dodge. She noticed that as Kason withdrew his hand, he seemed to unintentionally scrape hers. It felt as if a slimy snake had wrapped around her, leaving a sticky sensation.

While Kason was giving instructions to the staff, Sierra wiped the spot where he had touched her.

Kason appeared every inch the gentleman, and he played his part well, seeming very considerate. He brought up the day’s events. “I just got back today and heard about the bullying you faced. I tried calling you, but you didn’t pick up.”

“I saw your livestream today; you were impressive,” Kason said, his eyes full of admiration. “I’d always heard that Mr. Evan was a genius in this field, but it turns out you’re no less capable.”

“What are your plans after graduation? Are you thinking about joining Xander Pharmaceuticals?”

Sierra’s heart stirred at the question, but her face remained neutral. “Let’s not beat around the bush. You should know I don’t get along with the Xander family.”

Kason chuckled, his expression indicating he was well aware. It was no secret among their circle that he wasn’t a good person, and yet his daughter was sent to them. What kind of relationship could they possibly have!

“If you’re not considering Xander Pharmaceuticals, have you thought about Richardson Pharmaceuticals?”

“Oh? What are you interested in then?” Kason asked, genuinely curious.

Sierra took a bite of her food and said slowly, “Something that at least feels challenging.”

Kason’s expression grew even more pleased as he watched her, his gaze heating up. He licked his lips and said, “You really are different. I have a feeling we’ll work well together.”

Sierra smiled noncommittally, neither confirming nor denying. Her ambiguity threw Kason off, making him feel as if he had been tickled, itching with anticipation.

Perhaps spurred by Sierra’s words, Kason grew bolder that day. When they were leaving, he even suggested they go to a room upstairs, but Sierra dodged the invitation.

She glanced at him and said, “Mr. Kason, aren’t you rushing things? Although I agreed to see where this goes, whether or not you’re to my taste depends on your performance.”

With a light laugh, she added, “I hear Mr. Kason is quite the playboy. Don’t disappoint me. You know, I’ve served three years in prison; ordinary just doesn’t impress me.”

Kason was even more excited by her challenge. Dropping all pretense, he eagerly said, “Give me a few days to prepare. Trust me. I won’t let you down.”