Chapter 171: A Reckoning

“Evan, let’s go to the hospital first.”

Sean glanced at Evan’s already swollen and bruised hand, uncertain if the bones were fractured. Sean and Evan left the estate in silence, their steps heavy with defeat.

Inside the house, Sierra watched Jonathan exude an air of barely restrained fury. She couldn’t help but laugh. “I’m not even angry; why are you?”

Jonathan shot her a dissatisfied look, clearly unimpressed by her nonchalance. Sierra’s smile widened. “Alright, alright. Since I’m not upset, you shouldn’t be either.”

She truly meant it; she felt no anger at all. In fact, she was thrilled. Jonathan, a man known for his unshakable composure, had lost his cool because of her. That realization alone was enough to make her heart swell. Jonathan sighed in exasperation before reaching out to pinch her cheek lightly. “With that attitude of yours, you’re going to get walked all over.”

If it were him, he would have destroyed the Xander family. No mercy. No second chances.

Sierra tilted her head, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “But would you ever let me get walked all over?”

“Never!” Jonathan’s reply was instantaneous. If someone dared to bully his woman, he would make them look foolish.

“Well, that settles it then!”

Sierra’s mood brightened instantly. Evan, the Xander family—none of it mattered to her anymore.

Meanwhile, at the hospital, Denise slowly opened her eyes; the stark white ceiling above her was unfamiliar. She instinctively turned her head, scanning the room; there was no one there. Stunned at first, panic then set in. As she recalled what had happened before she lost consciousness, an indescribable fear filled her eyes. Every other time she had woken up in a hospital, at least one family member had been there—sometimes her mother, one of her brothers, or someone else. They had never left her alone before.

Something was wrong!

Denise struggled to sit up, but a sharp pain in her chest forced her back down; her weak heart could barely handle the fear consuming her. Just then, the door creaked open. She turned her gaze toward the entrance, expecting to see a familiar face. Instead of her family, she saw police officers.

“Denise, we have reason to believe you were involved in a case from the year 3030. We ask for your full cooperation in the investigation.”

Their words had barely registered before she cut in. “Those videos are fake! I didn’t kill anyone!”

The officer simply gave her a knowing look. “All video evidence has been authenticated. Furthermore, Bradley and Franklin have confessed to obstruction of justice.”

What? Denise’s pupils dilated. How could Bradley and his father do this?

“We are officially placing you under arrest; charges will be filed accordingly.”

With a metallic click, handcuffs locked around her wrists. She was supposed to be taken to the detention center, but because of her special physical condition, she could only remain in the hospital. At this moment, Denise felt it would be better not to wake up. Looking at the handcuffs, she finally showed panic. “I want to see my father! I want to see my brother!”

They will definitely find a way; I can’t go to jail.

“Unfortunately, both are currently in detention. However, Evan and Sean are still free. If you wish, we can arrange a formal visitation process…”

Denise froze. Father and Bradley were already in jail. However, she reacted quickly. “I want to see Evan and Sean!” Evan and Sean will also be able to find a way; they are so powerful.

Evan was at the hospital getting his hand treated when Sean received a call from the police. As expected, his hand was fractured. His expression remained calm, unreadable. After hanging up, Sean spoke. “Evan, the police called. Denise is awake. She wants to see us.”

Evan’s first instinct was to refuse. However, after a moment of contemplation, he ultimately agreed. “Let’s go.”

Inside the hospital room, Denise anxiously waited. She feared her brothers wouldn’t show up. Just as that thought crossed her mind, she shook her head. “No, they’ll definitely come,” she murmured to herself. At that moment, she heard movement at the door. She looked up and saw exactly who she had been waiting for.

“Evan! Sean!” She called out in excitement, immediately feeling a wave of relief. They came. They still care about me.

Overcome with joy, Denise didn’t notice their expressions. She kept talking rapidly, her voice filled with grievance. “Evan, Sean, I’m in so much pain. It feels like I’m dying! When I woke up and didn’t see you, I was terrified. Why did you take so long to come?”