Chapter 300: The Wind and the Reckoning

Though Azure wasn’t as gifted as the others, Professor Martin had always favored him. He trusted him most, largely because of his easygoing nature. He’d known Azure wanted to stay on after graduation. He had already spoken to the university about it—it was practically a done deal. He just hadn’t told Azure yet, wanting to give him a bit more time to grow. And now…

Professor Martin looked utterly exhausted.

“You all head home,” he said. “Take some time off. Wait for further notice.”

With the mess that had just exploded, there wouldn’t be any new research projects for a while. And at the moment, he didn’t have it in him to think about any.

“Professor…”

Sierra looked at him with concern, but he waved her off and climbed into his car, driving away alone.

“He must be heartbroken,” Autumn said softly. “He yells at us all the time, but he really does treat us like his own.”

Her eyes were red as she spoke.

“Azure’s a damn idiot,” Erwin ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. “What the hell was he thinking?”

He just couldn’t understand it. Sierra was good—so what? That should’ve just pushed them to be better. Why stoop to something like this? All it did was hurt others and ruin himself.

Because of Azure, none of them were in the mood to keep talking. After a few words, they all left.

Sierra stayed behind. She was waiting for Draven to be released. Johnathan had just told her that Draven would be signing the final paperwork today.

Before long, Johnathan appeared with Draven and a few others. Draven looked much like he always did—just a lot more annoyed.

“Sorry you got dragged into all this,” Sierra said quickly when she saw him. If it hadn’t been for her, Draven wouldn’t have been detained so long. The project data wouldn’t have been trashed, either.

“Come on, don’t take all the blame. People like us just have a talent for attracting trouble. It’s a genius thing. Happens more than you’d think.”

Just never quite this bad before.

Sierra could tell he was trying to comfort her. She smiled, grateful, and was about to reply—when Draven cut in.

“And besides, we still don’t know who really started this.”

Azure was just the fall guy. The real mastermind hadn’t been caught yet.

“My assistant—look into him again,” Draven said, glancing at Johnathan.

“You think he’s involved?” Johnathan asked.

“Better safe than sorry.”

Draven didn’t want to suspect him. That assistant had been with him for years. But after this, he planned to dig around him.

With everything more or less wrapped up, Mateo suggested a celebration. No one objected—it wasn’t often they all had free time. Maddow pronounced heading to a racetrack. She then informed the Cu family. (Incomplete sentence)

When they arrived, Sierra realized Maddox had been way too modest. He’d called it a “small racetrack,” but once she saw it, she realized it stretched farther than the eye could see.

“This whole area is part of the racetrack. The Treno family owns the biggest section. Come on—pick a horse, I’ll teach you,” Johnathan said.

Sierra had never ridden before, and the idea intrigued her.

Without waiting for the others, Johnathan led her off to pick a horse.

Almost immediately, Sierra spotted a tall black stallion—by far the largest and most imposing among the herd. It looked proud, almost arrogant.

“You like that one?” Johnathan’s voice came from beside her.

Sierra quickly shook her head. Even without experience, she knew that kind of horse wasn’t something she could handle.

“His name’s Lightning,” Johnathan said. “He’s mine. If you want to try, I’ll ride with you.”

Before Sierra could respond, Johnathan had already told a handler to bring Lightning over.

Up close, Lightning was even more massive than she’d imagined. Johnathan vaulted up effortlessly, then reached a hand down to her.

“Come on.”

Sierra wouldn’t have dared ride such a horse alone—but with Johnathan, it was different.

Without hesitation, she placed her hand in his. He gripped it tightly, leaned down, and pulled her up in one motion.

“I’ll take you for a ride.”

Johnathan nudged the horse forward. Lightning started off at a steady pace.

He wasn’t fast at first, and Sierra quickly got used to the rhythm. As they moved, she began to feel the thrill of the ride.

The dry summer wind whipped across her face, wild and free.