When the Flame of Love Fades

Chapter 284: A Line You Can’t Cross

After leaving the bar, Jose returned home. Knowing his mother was waiting, he went straight to see her.

“What’s going on, Mom?”

“Why haven’t you been home these past few days?” Susie asked, her expression tight. She’d also found out he’d been frequenting bars—something he usually only did for business, and never this often.

“Grandpa wanted to see me. My uncles and cousins too. I was feeling annoyed, so I didn’t want to stay here.”

Susie frowned. She’d specifically asked her brother and the others not to get too close to Jose.

“Jose, no matter what your uncles or your grandfather told you, forget all of it. You need to remember—Jonathan is your brother. And more than that, we owe him. Don’t even think about anything else.”

It was the same thing Jose had been hearing his whole life. But for the first time, it grated on him.

“Why, Mom? We keep trying to make things right, but he won’t accept it. He just sees us as enemies. We’ve stepped back again and again—for what? I’m a Wynn too. Why should I always be the one to give in?”

“Jose!” Susie shot to her feet, eyes flashing with anger. But then something shifted in her expression. Sadness crept in. “Jose, please. I’m begging you—don’t go up against your brother. We’re the ones who hurt him and his mother. That’s the truth.”

Usually, those words worked on Jose. But this time, something inside him had cracked.

“You always say it’s our fault. But what exactly did we do wrong? You didn’t kill his mother!”

“No… but she died because of me,” Susie said softly, pain flickering through her eyes. “Jose, if you still see me as your mother, then listen to me—don’t become Jonathan’s enemy.”

Jose was quiet for a long time.

“…Got it. I’m tired. I’m going to bed.”

Without looking at her, he turned and walked away. Susie watched him go, the hurt in her eyes deepening. There were so many things she couldn’t explain.

Back in his room, Jose stood in silence. Then, suddenly, he kicked over a chair, the violent sound echoing in the space around him.

Why did he always have to give in? So what if Jonathan’s mother’s death had something to do with them? That was in the past!

His hesitation was gone now. Tonight’s conversation had solidified his resolve. He dialed Shane’s number.

“What’s the plan? Do you have one?”

Chapter 284: A Line You Can’t Cross

He wanted to see it—whether Jonathan, that cold, untouchable god, really did have a weak spot. If he did, then he wasn’t invincible.

Sierra hadn’t expected to see Shane again. When she did, she froze for a second, then her expression darkened with disgust and guarded wariness.

“Relax. I’m not here to try anything,” Shane said lazily, tugging up the corner of his mouth. “Besides, I’m not trying to get myself killed.”

“You’re scared of dying?” Sierra asked with a mocking sneer. She always thought he was too in to be afraid of death.

“Of course I am,” Shane replied, half serious, half joking. “Mr. Yeager’s not someone to mess with. All he did was visit my uncle, and next thing I know, I’m nearly beaten to death.”

No wonder Shane looked so pale tonight. Sierra didn’t feel the slightest bit sorry for him. In fact, she almost wished Jonathan had gone further—had finished the job.

Reading her expression, Shane gave a twisted smile. “Sorry to disappoint you. He’s not going to kill me. Not yet.”

There was something bitter in his voice, something unspoken and mocking. Sierra wasn’t surprised. She’d heard the stories.

“He should’ve broken your legs.”

At least then she’d have a few months of peace.

“Hah,” Shane laughed, amused. “Maybe I’ll suggest that next time.”

What a lunatic. Sierra didn’t want to waste another second on him. She clutched her books and started walking away.

But then he said, “Don’t you want to know what kind of person your boyfriend really is?”

Sierra didn’t respond. Even if she did want to know, she wouldn’t ask him.

Seeing he couldn’t stop her, Shane added, “You think I’m disgusting. You think Kason is cruel. But do you know your Mr. Yeager is a hundred times worse than either of us? Do you have any idea how many lives are on his hands?”

He clearly saw Sierra pause. He thought she might stop. But instead, she kept walking without a second thought.

Shane was slightly disappointed, but not surprised. That was Sierra. She only believed what she saw with her own eyes.