Chapter 180: Shadows of the Past
Jonathan had been investigating the hardships Sierra endured during her three years in prison, but the information he could find was limited. Sierra fell silent for a while before saying, “I don’t want to talk about it.”
Jonathan’s expression changed, but before he could speak, Sierra added, “That time was a nightmare for me!” She didn’t want to bring it up at all. If it hadn’t been for the excessive actions of the Xander family, she wouldn’t have revealed anything. All she would say was that what she had shared was just the opening act. During those three years, she never had a peaceful night’s sleep. “Jonathan, I really don’t want to talk about it!” Sierra said softly.
In Jonathan’s eyes, Sierra had never known fear. Whenever she faced difficulties, she always confronted them head-on, never backing down. He always wished she would lean on him more. But now, when Sierra finally showed vulnerability, he felt no joy—only deep concern.
“Alright, let’s not talk about it anymore. Don’t think about it; it’s all in the past!” He wasn’t typically empathetic, but at this moment, he didn’t want to press Sierra. He took Sierra’s hand, fingers interlocking. “Everyone gets scared; you don’t have to feel useless.”
“Don’t meet Shane again. Leave him to me.”
“No! Jonathan, don’t go after him!” Sierra shook her head vehemently. Jonathan had never dealt with Shane and didn’t understand just how twisted he could be, with his endless cunning methods.
Jonathan wanted to say he wasn’t afraid, but seeing the fear in Sierra’s eyes, he chose to soothe her. “Okay, okay, relax. I won’t go after him; don’t worry.”
His reassurance visibly relaxed Sierra, and Jonathan, watching this, mentally noted to settle scores with Shane. His character had significant flaws—domineering, authoritarian, and extremely possessive. Sierra was too concerned about Shane, even if it was out of fear, and he disliked anyone holding such a significant place in her mind, even if it was just out of fear.
However, Jonathan didn’t show his displeasure. He drove Sierra home, suggesting she take a shower and change her clothes while he went into the kitchen like a househusband.
Once the door was closed, he called Mateo. “Is there a way to look into that maniac from the Goodman family?”
“Ah, the Goodman family? What did that maniac do to cross you? If it’s a small thing, maybe let it go,” Mateo advised. The Goodman family was not to be trifled with, having extensive influence. Most crucially, Shane was a law unto himself; even his own family couldn’t control him. Stirring him up could escalate beyond minor skirmishes.
“Just tell me, can you check on him?” Jonathan’s tone was sharp, a sign that he was on the brink of anger. Mateo, sensing this, didn’t push further. “I’ll try! What exactly are you looking to find out?”
“His weaknesses! What he likes, what he cares about—anything that can hurt him, I need to know!”
After Sierra finished showering, she seemed fully rejuvenated, and Jonathan had already prepared a simple meal of three dishes and a soup.
“Can I invite Dickson over too?” Sierra asked, realizing Jonathan was particular about his space and not keen on unexpected guests.
Dickson was also involved in this matter, and she wanted to discuss it with him.
“He’s like a brother to you, so he’s a brother to me too. Besides, you’re the other owner of this place; you don’t need my permission to do anything.” Jonathan was especially agreeable with Sierra. “Go invite him, and I’ll make another dish!” With that, Jonathan headed back into the kitchen.
After dinner, Sierra finally shared the day’s events with Dickson. She had promised to keep him updated, so she didn’t hold back.
“Why are they so brazen? Aren’t they afraid of retribution?” Dickson was furious; his experience was too limited. He had thought he’d seen all the evils of the world, but now he realized there was no limit to human cruelty.
“By the way, Sierra, I’ve looked into it. Over the past few years, forty-three people have died or disappeared without a trace in prison, both men and women.”
Forty-three—a staggering number! And then Jonathan added, “If they’re using people for experiments, the actual number of deaths could be even higher. There are several other places besides prisons that could continuously supply them with bodies.”