Chapter 194: New Year, Old Grudges

Sierra followed Lily's gaze and saw Jonathan rolling up his sleeves, donning an apron, and bustling about in the kitchen like the perfect domestic man. Who could imagine the youngest professor possessed such a homely demeanor?

A smile curved her lips as she said, "He really is good to me!"

After dinner, they discussed the upcoming New Year celebrations. With just over twenty days remaining, this would be Sierra's last New Year's with her grandmother, so she wanted to make it memorable. Sierra, Dickson, and Lily discussed the festivities with great enthusiasm, each suggesting different activities.

Jonathan felt somewhat out of place. From their conversations, he sensed their anticipation and nostalgia for the New Year. But for him, the New Year meant trouble, meant facing countless insincere people at the large family mansion. He felt as though they weren't celebrating the same holiday.

Sierra noticed Jonathan's silence and waited until Grandma had fallen asleep to ask, "What's wrong? Don't you like the New Year?"

Jonathan shook his head. "It's not about liking or disliking; it just doesn't mean much to me."

Hearing this, Sierra said, "I loved the New Year as a kid because it meant I could eat good food and, more often than not, avoid getting beaten for a few days."

It was ironic; even gamblers took breaks for the New Year. James had nowhere to gamble, so naturally, he didn't lose money, and their home was unusually peaceful. "When I was young, I loved sweets. Grandma would secretly buy me some but made a rule that I could only eat a few each day."

As Sierra reminisced about her childhood New Years, nostalgia filled her eyes. Even though her life back then was tough, she had many memories to cherish; looking back, whether good or bad, they were all part of her past.

"What about you? What were your New Years like?" Sierra asked.

Jonathan, having listened to her recount her childhood celebrations, hadn't expected her to turn the question on him. Images of feigned emotions flashed through his mind, and he felt he had nothing positive to share.

He shook his head. "My New Years were boring—just a bunch of people getting together and putting on a show."

He didn't want to elaborate, and Sierra could easily imagine the scene—many family members, each with their own agendas. She didn't press further and didn't ask if Jonathan would stay for the New Year. She knew the answer; he had already said he would return home. It was normal; his family letting him stay away this long was already unusual.

Sierra didn't bring up New Year's again, only cautioning Jonathan, "You're tough, but be careful. Shane's a madman; you can't think of him like a normal person. He might do something unpredictable."

"Alright," Jonathan agreed, his fingers gently pinching Sierra's neck.

He disliked it when Sierra mentioned Shane. After talking a bit more, Jonathan returned to his place, not trying to coax Sierra to join him, knowing she needed to stay with Lily. Surprisingly, he was developing empathy.

Chapter 194: New Year, Old Grudges (Continued)

Back in his room, Jonathan showered, changed into clean clothes, and then dialed Mateo's number.

"How's that investigation on the Goodman family lunatic going?" he asked.

Mateo had called him about Shane the other day, but when he saw Yaron about to harm Sierra, he'd hung up and rushed over, forgetting about it until he ran into that madman again today.

On the phone, Mateo teased, "Oh, you finally remembered it?"

Jonathan wasn't in a hurry and didn't care much for Mateo's sarcasm. Ignoring the jibe, Jonathan simply stated, "I broke his hand today."

Mateo exclaimed in surprise, "Why would you provoke that lunatic?"

Jonathan scoffed, "Why? Can't I handle him?"

Mateo choked up a bit; Jonathan really could stir up trouble—he wasn't afraid of the Goodman family. But Shane wasn't so simple.

Realizing this, Mateo spoke more seriously. "No jokes, Shane is more complicated than we thought. You need to be careful."

As Mateo's tone grew grave, Jonathan's expression turned serious. "Go on."

"You know the Goodman family's standing in Albanos. I found something hidden, uncertain, but I think it's true. Shane might not be Percival's son; he could be Octa's."