Chapter 137: Lockup and Lookouts

Dickson hadn't let her down. In just a few months, he had figured out quite a bit on his own. “Relax, Sierra, leave this to me,” Dickson promised. He was glad Sierra was finally letting him help instead of keeping him out of it. He was determined to find dirt on those scoundrels.

Sierra thought she had made things clear to Jonathan—that such a proud man wouldn't be anxious about her anymore. But she was wrong. Far from backing off, Jonathan showed up at her door that very evening. Seeing him standing outside, Sierra was tempted not to open the door, but seeing his injured hand, she worried he might need something.

When she opened the door, Jonathan asked, “Can I crash your dinner?” He was direct and unabashed, not the least bit embarrassed about mooching a meal; he even gestured with his injured hand. "I hurt my hand; it's hard to cook!"

Sierra went quiet; it took her a moment to find her voice. “I’ll order you some takeout.”

“I don’t like takeout. It’s too greasy and salty, not healthy.” Sierra wanted to say more, but then Jonathan added, “Come on, I’ve taken you out to eat a few times before, you can’t say no, right?”

With the conversation headed in that direction, Sierra felt she couldn’t refuse. She just didn’t realize before how shameless Jonathan could be. Maybe he stopped pretending after she saw right through him. Once the glasses he used as a disguise were off, he never put them back on, making him appear all the more aloof and unattainable.

Dickson was in a much better state than before, but he was still inexplicably afraid of such an openly aggressive person. He quickly greeted Sierra and then retreated to his room, leaving only Jonathan and Sierra in the living room.

Sierra felt uncomfortable and got up to go to the kitchen. Although she didn’t ask Jonathan about any dietary restrictions, she chose a menu that was mostly light dishes. Jonathan was not one to sit still. No sooner had Sierra gone to the kitchen than he followed. Even though Sierra didn’t talk to him, he didn’t seem bored, just silently watching her.

If Sierra hadn’t been so steadfast, she might have given up long ago. Finally, after they had eaten, she thought she could send this imposing guest on his way, but then he mentioned his injured hand made it hard to bathe.

Dickson nearly spat out his drink when he heard this. He looked from Sierra to Jonathan and offered, “Mr. Yeager, if you don’t mind, I can help?” Jonathan glanced at him, his look somewhat chilling, but Dickson didn’t back down.

“No need,” Jonathan flatly refused, then turned to Sierra and said, “Thanks for the hospitality. See you tomorrow!”

Once Jonathan had left, Sierra finally breathed a deep sigh of relief. “Sierra, you and Mr. Yeager…” Dickson wasn’t foolish; he could tell something was off between Sierra and Jonathan.

Dickson nodded thoughtfully.

Sierra had resolved not to let Jonathan come over anymore, but he came up with different excuses every day, enduring her cold demeanor yet still showing up. A few days passed like this, and then suddenly, Jonathan stopped coming for meals, leaving Sierra feeling oddly unsettled.

Dickson noticed her discomfort and suggested, “Should I go check on him?”

Sierra shook her head. “Let it be.” She feared she might lose all restraint if they kept in touch.

Just then, the doorbell rang. When she opened the door, there stood Jonathan, holding up his hand. “I went to the hospital this morning to get the bandages removed. Also, the police have some results from their investigation.”

“What did the police say?” Sierra asked urgently.

“It wasn’t an accident; it was orchestrated.” Jonathan looked at Sierra intently. Her face went pale, and her hand gripped the door frame tightly. Just as she thought!

Then, Jonathan continued, “The police haven’t found the culprit, but I’ve got some info. The person who targeted me isn’t who you think.”

Sierra stared at Jonathan, puzzled by his implication. Jonathan didn’t keep her in suspense. “It wasn’t Shane, but you know the guy. It’s Sean from the Xander family.”

“What?” Sierra gasped, shocked. “Him?”