Chapter 412 Someone Crossed the Line

As the day’s symposium officially ended, Sierra let out a quiet breath of relief.

Her emotions were tangled. On one hand, she was grateful that nothing had happened. On the other, a small part of her wished someone had made a move—at least then they wouldn’t have to stay on edge, constantly bracing for the unknown.

That evening, the university administration hosted a banquet for the guests, but wisely, they hadn’t extended an invitation to Sierra. Instead, they invited Professor Martin and her senior colleagues. Sierra was more than happy to skip it and spend her evening with Johnathan, Mateo, and a few close allies.

Stone wasn’t there that day–he was working undercover and hadn’t been informed of the run-in between Mateo and White. When he heard White had been present, his face immediately darkened.

Maddox had already received word.

“I had someone look into his activities while he’s been here. All legit—investment projects, mostly. That’s consistent with his family’s business model.”

He adjusted his glasses, summing it up in one sentence: “He’s just the kind of guy who needs a punch in the face.”

The group exchanged glances, all slightly exasperated. Even Mateo, whose temper had flared earlier, seemed less angry now. Maybe it really was beneath him to get worked up over someone that brainless.

Stone, however, made one simple assessment. “He’s got no brains, but he can fight.”

The day they’d fought, it had been a near draw. If the fight had gone longer, it was anyone’s guess who would’ve won.

That thought made him glance at Johnathan, his eyes filled with curiosity–clearly wondering how a match between those two would go.

Sierra had been listening quietly until then. Finally, she asked, “Who is he exactly? And what’s this about a fight?”

Mateo coughed, trying to sound nonchalant. “Nothing much. We just had a bit of a scuffle with him once. You know how his mouth is—impossible not to react.”

No one could blame them. They were used to being treated with deference. Being insulted like that? Of course, someone was going to snap.

Afraid she might probe further, Mateo quickly changed the topic. “I compiled a list of everyone who attended today, including service staff. I’ve gone through the data—nothing seems off. Could it be they gave up?”

“No.”

Johnathan’s tone was firm. “That organization is bold—and ruthless.”

Quinn and the man who died proved as much. They were pursuing high-level research, at any cost.

And Sierra? She was currently the brightest rising star in the field. There was no way the organization would simply walk away from a prize like that.

But they might not try something overt. More likely, they’d aim to get close–win her trust, just like Quinn had once done with him.

From today’s interactions, the only one who made a move was White.

Yet no one believed he was involved. His background was too prominent, and frankly, his personality was… a bit too ridiculous.

As they discussed all this over dinner, Mateo and Stone later escorted Johnathan and Sierra home. Johnathan was recovering well–so as long as he avoided strenuous activity, he could return to his own space.

It had been over two weeks since they were last home. Both felt the pull of familiarity and comfort the moment they stepped through the door—especially Johnathan.

He had countless properties, but this was the first place that felt different.

Because this place held pieces of Sierra. This place was theirs.

Still unable to walk, Johnathan let Sierra push his wheelchair inside. Just as she turned to tidy up, his expression suddenly shifted.

“Sierra!”

She spun to him immediately. “What?”

“My bag. I think I left it in the car. Let’s go get it.”

Sierra blinked. Bag? What bag?

Then she saw his eyes–and understood. “Okay. Let’s go.”

She wheeled him toward the door. As they waited for the elevator, her heart pounded.

Neither of them spoke. Johnathan’s hand gripped the wheelchair’s armrest.

This chair wasn’t standard. Mateo had customized it specifically for Johnathan—equipped for defense.

At first, Johnathan hadn’t noticed anything, but one glance around the apartment had told him something was wrong.

Someone had been inside.

In that instant, his fury surged.

Johnathan had always been territorial—violently so. Even his closest friends knew never to enter his space uninvited. Mateo had learned that the hard way.

A stranger stepping foot into his home? Unforgivable.

As the elevator reached the ground floor, Johnathan made a call. Mateo and the others hadn’t gone far and returned immediately.

“I’ll go up and check,” Stone offered. He was the best for this kind of sweep.

“You two wait in the car.”

Mateo guided them into his vehicle. Only then did Sierra begin to calm down.