Chapter 124: Unveiling the Past

Sierra didn't realize that her advocacy for Dickson only increased Jonathan's unease. Fortunately, they had already reached the complex. She fetched Dickson, and upon noticing Jonathan, Dickson's expression became strangely guarded. Sierra dismissed it, assuming he simply disliked strangers. She whispered to him,

"It's a long ride, Mr. Yeager is giving us a lift. He's a good guy; you don't have to be scared, and I'll be with you the whole time."

Dickson nodded slightly without looking up.

Daphne was buried in a distant cemetery. By the time Dickson received the news and arrived, only her ashes remained. They said she had died in an accident, burned beyond recognition, and he hadn't even seen her body. This was why he always suspected foul play. Looking at the photo on the tombstone, Sierra felt a pang of sorrow; Daphne had been the first person she met after her incarceration. "Daphne had always looked out for her, being older." Thinking about Daphne's death made Sierra deeply sad.

Dickson, overwhelmed by grief, wept openly. Sierra didn't try to stop him; she felt it was best for him to release his emotions. Guessing Dickson had much to say to Daphne, Sierra didn't intrude and instead pulled Jonathan aside.

Jonathan glanced at the uncontrollably weeping Dickson and asked Sierra, "How did Daphne die?"

Sierra was taken aback; Jonathan had never asked about Daphne before. He seemed odd to her; sometimes caring, other times eerily calm.

Seeing Sierra's silence, Jonathan pressed, "Can't you—"

Sierra first glanced at Dickson to ensure he couldn't hear them, then lowered her voice, "She was tortured to death."

Jonathan was the kind of man who could deduce the whole picture from a single piece of information. "Was it Kason?"

He guessed the culprit instantly. Sierra looked at Jonathan in shock; she hadn't mentioned Kason, yet Jonathan had figured it out on his own. Seeing her expression, Jonathan knew he was right. "No wonder…"

Jonathan appeared contemplative. "So, that day I met you, you knew about this. But how did you find out?" Remembering how pale Sierra had been that day, a sharp look crossed Jonathan's eyes. "Did someone tell you something, or did you see something?"

Jonathan's words unnerved Sierra; he was too insightful, having guessed most of the story through deduction alone. "Mr. Yeager, stop, please don't get involved in this. Kason, Brendan, and Shane were not people to mess with; the more you knew, the more dangerous it was."

Seeing her reluctance to speak further, Jonathan didn't press. His phone rang, and he stepped aside to answer the call.

10:57 AM

Dickson's eyes were red, but his expression was far more relieved, looking better than before. Sierra nodded in relief. "It's good to let it out."

"Keep doing well; your sister wouldn't want to see you like this. She told me her biggest wish was to see you finish school and get a good job. Don't let her down."

Dickson managed a strained smile and suddenly hugged Sierra. "Thank you, Sierra, no matter what."

Sierra was still processing when Dickson released her, his face wearing a genuinely relieved smile. He had thought it over the previous night and finally made a decision. Even if Sierra might somehow be connected to Daphne's death, he didn't want to act against her. He could feel the kindness Sierra had shown him. Whether out of guilt or something else, she had genuinely been good to him. Without Sierra, he feared what that person might have done to him. So, he couldn't bring himself to harm Sierra. Just now, he had cried his heart out at his sister's grave, apologizing for not being able to take action. But he had made another decision.

"Sierra, I'm leaving," Dickson suddenly said.

Sierra was startled. "What? Why so sudden?" As she spoke, her brow furrowed. "Dickson, what happened?" It was strange; just a couple of days ago, he was very resistant, and now he suddenly changed his mind. Something wasn't right.