Chapter 379: Sierra's Breakdown
"Why the need for contemplation?" Nathael locked eyes with Maggie, his gaze penetrating and compelling her attention. Maggie struggled against the intensity of his gaze—a blend of black and white, deep as an endless abyss. An unspoken question hung in the air: "Will you ever leave?" However, perhaps from fear or reluctance to confront the answer, the words remained unsaid. Eventually, Maggie drifted into slumber in his embrace.
In her sleep, scenes from her past life played out, trapping her in familiar despair. But this time, a figure emerged from the dust and light, offering a glimmer of rescue. Though just a dream, Maggie clung to the hope that these fresh memories could eclipse the old wounds.
Rarely did Maggie sleep so soundly. This deep sleep was spurred by a newfound resolve, perhaps sheer exhaustion, or simply the comfort of his presence. Beside her, Nathael's steady breaths served as a comforting rhythm. He gently kissed her cheek, tucked her in, and quietly slipped away into the night.
The night enveloped the town in darkness; the snow-covered roads echoed with every footstep. Under the weight of the heavy snow, tree branches swayed precariously, a delicate dance against the wintry backdrop. The rooftops shimmered silver under the moonlight, casting an enchanting spell over the quiet streets. With the snowfall ceasing, neon lights bounced off the pristine snow, painting the town in a magical glow. Festive displays adorned the shopping malls, adding to the holiday cheer. Nathael draped a coat over his suit and hopped into the car. "Take me to Sierra," he ordered solemnly.
Downstairs, Nolan and the servant lingered; the second-floor lights dimmed as Maggie slept soundly. Alex maneuvered the car out of the gate, embarking on an hour-long journey to Sierra's detention site.
Meanwhile, Sierra endured interrogation, dazed and handcuffed. Her disheveled appearance—smeared makeup and tangled hair—reflected her state. The weight of serious allegations—drug involvement, abduction, and hiring a hitman—loomed over her, fueled by the evidence.
Sierra remained in a daze, her hands restrained, her hair tousled, and her makeup streaked. Despite the bandaged scar on her cheek, the lingering pain as the anesthesia wore off reminded her that reality was far from a dream.
Outside, Nathael watched for a moment before being ushered in by Alex and another official.
"Mr. Harris."
At the sight of Nathael, Sierra's demeanor shifted abruptly. Tears streamed down her face; her emotions were palpable. "Nathael! Please, you have to save me! Maggie framed me; she wants to destroy everything! You have to believe me!" Despite knowing Nathael's allegiance to Maggie, Sierra pleaded desperately, clinging to a glimmer of hope. Nathael remained stoic, his gaze piercing and indifferent.
"Why do you think I would help you?"
Despite Nathael's calm demeanor, Sierra felt a chill run down her spine, her body trembling uncontrollably.
"I warned you before. Since you've shown no remorse, you'll spend your days in prison," Nathael declared, his tone indifferent.
"Mr. Harris… Please, I admit my mistake! Spare me, and I'll leave Aquapolis for good. I'll never bother you or Maggie again. Just give me a chance…"
Sierra's desperation was palpable. Her plea was almost a cry for salvation. As she sat confined, no family member had come to her aid. It seemed she was forgotten or forsaken. Maggie's words lingered in Sierra's mind like a relentless nightmare.
Alex gestured for Nathael to sit, his gaze cold as he spoke with authority. "I'll have you sent to the roughest prison, where you'll have company every day. If you're lucky, maybe you'll end up in a mixed-gender facility. You can find someone powerful enough to shield you."
Nathael's tone was composed, leaving no room for misunderstanding. Sierra teetered on the brink of despair, confronting a predicament she had only heard of—a strategy frequently used by those in her circle to sway men.
"You'll endure the monotony of prison life, day in, day out, clad in the same uniform, subject to others' whims, struggling to remain inconspicuous."
"You'll come to cherish that scar on your face, but expect beatings and degradation as part of your daily routine. From initial defiance to eventual resignation, you'll shift from resistance to numbness. Dreams of escape will fade, replaced by a desire for an end."
"But death won't offer solace. Under perpetual watch, each day will bring fresh agony and fear…"
His voice, oddly comforting yet chilling, pushed Sierra to her limits. She attempted to shield her ears with her cuffed hands, but it was futile.
"Stop! Please, stop! Please, you have to help me!" Sierra's tear-stained face pleaded desperately.
Across from her, the man sat unmoved, a sinister presence casting shadows over her crumbling resolve, stripping away her sanity and hope.
Nathael remained silent, a silent observer of Sierra's torment, his expression inscrutable. Only when Sierra's cries turned hoarse did Nathael show any sign of vexation. His gaze locked with Sierra's as he delivered his ultimatum in a low, commanding tone. "Seek a reduced sentence? Then, implicate the Camerons. The more you comply, the brighter your prospects."
For once, the man's stoic facade softened into a smirk, a glint of malice sparking in his otherwise composed features.
Sierra's mind raced, grappling with the demand. Expose the Camerons? But how? And where to begin?
Nathael glanced at his watch, his eyes never leaving Sierra's. "You have ten minutes," he declared, his voice firm and unwavering.
Sierra froze, a surge of panic coursing through her veins, beads of sweat gathering on her brow as she scrambled to recall any relevant information. He wants me to expose them? Where can I even get any evidence? I don't know anything about the family's business. What do I know? What do I…
Oh yeah! She recalled a significant payment made to an elderly man years ago, purportedly for a project linked to a rival's child's fate. Yet, evidence remained elusive. I have no evidence. Even if I do, how can I even find out who's pulling the strings?
Then, a memory surged: a tragic construction accident back home, a collapse that claimed three lives. The deceased's family tried to sue the Camerons, but her uncle settled the matter. "Five minutes left," said Nathael coldly, watching Sierra's expression.