Chapter 181: The Unseen Victims
“First, we have the homeless population—not just anywhere, but right here in Maviston, where their numbers reach into the thousands. Next, consider the isolated elderly and those who rarely leave their homes, with minimal contact with the outside world. Then, there are individuals battling terminal illnesses; some are indifferent to their fate, ready to trade their lives for money, while others might simply be misled. Finally, there are the orphanages: pharmaceutical trials require participants of all ages, so…”
Jonathan hadn’t finished speaking when Sierra interrupted him. “Stop.”
Jonathan’s words were shocking, but what made her uncomfortable was his eerily calm tone, as if he were discussing some academic research, not the grim realities he described. This stirred an odd feeling in her; she even found herself hesitant to look at Jonathan’s expression.
Understanding Sierra’s discomfort, Jonathan knew immediately where the problem lay. He slowly continued. “Sierra, you know I’m only stating the facts. If we want to ensure Kason can never recover, we gather all the evidence of his crimes. Without solid proof, it’s hard to take him down.”
He had also asked Mateo to look into the people behind Kason. A single Kason couldn’t sustain such a large operation; there were definitely others backing him. Jonathan didn’t yet know who they were, but given their audacity, a showdown was inevitable.
He wouldn’t share these thoughts with Sierra. She just needed to do what she wanted to do; he’d make sure she was protected.
Sierra calmed down, recognizing the truth in Jonathan’s words, though she couldn’t maintain his level of detachment.
“Sierra, Mr. Yeager is right,” Dickson said with a sense of resolve. “Then I’ll keep looking; I’ll find as much as I can.” He was determined to avenge his sister.
After speaking, Dickson didn’t delay; he headed back to continue his search, leaving only Sierra and Jonathan together.
Then Jonathan asked, “Think I’m too calm?”
Sierra nodded, hesitating before replying, “Yes, it seems like you’re not angry at all. Maybe we’re just too emotional.”
Jonathan didn’t argue but simply accepted her words. “Sierra, I’ve told you before, I’m not one to meddle. It’s not wrong to say I’m indifferent. I don’t know those people, so it’s hard for me to feel much.”
Indeed, only a few people could stir his emotions—a fact that was normal for most, but Sierra still felt uneasy.
“What? Don’t you like this side of me?” Jonathan was pressing for a clear answer today, not settling for the usual ease or hiding his true nature, giving Sierra no room to escape. He asked earnestly, and Sierra thought hard before responding, “Not really! Everyone empathizes differently, and I can’t impose my values on you.”
Besides, had she not experienced and witnessed it firsthand, her reaction wouldn’t have been so strong; she’d likely only feel regret and anger, not a desire for legal retribution.
“As long as you’re not part of it, not helping them, I don’t see a problem.” Sierra expressed her genuine thoughts, lifting Jonathan’s spirits considerably. He then pulled Sierra onto his lap, saying, “You do what you want to do; I’ve got your back. Just make sure that scum doesn’t touch you again.” Otherwise, he feared he might not be able to restrain himself. Suddenly reminded of something, his expression shifted, becoming somewhat teasing.
“Didn’t he send you something? Where is it?”
Without Jonathan’s reminder, Sierra had almost forgotten about the whip. She hurriedly retrieved it from her bag, intending to dispose of it, but Jonathan stopped her. “Such a fine item, it’d be a shame to throw it away.”
Seeing the change in Sierra’s expression, Jonathan laughed. “I mean, there might be a lot of information on it.”
Realization dawned on Sierra; indeed, the whip had been used by Kason, likely retaining his fingerprints and possibly even traces of the victims’ skin or blood. Soon, this item could serve as crucial evidence.