Chapter 200: A Tense Encounter
Sierra’s lips twitched; she felt like she was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Netizens had thoroughly investigated James and Yulia, exposing every trivial detail. Harassed daily, the couple had secretly slipped away during the night. Their numbers had been unblocked, but calling only resulted in shutdown notifications. Unable to locate them, Sierra was about to head home when she unexpectedly ran into Kason.
At the sight of Kason, Sierra’s body tensed. “Are you following me?”
Sierra knew Kason’s weaknesses. Her confrontational stance immediately made him back down.
“It’s not following; my people were just keeping an eye out, trying to help you get back at them. But those two slipped away too fast; we didn’t catch them,” Kason said with a smile. Remembering his secret research facility, Sierra’s pupils contracted. James and Yulia were the type who could disappear without a trace—perfect for Kason’s needs.
“I don’t need your help,” Sierra said coldly.
Kason wasn’t upset; he actually liked Sierra’s fiery spirit. “Since we’ve bumped into each other, let me ask how you’ve considered the matter from the other day?” Kason inquired. Sierra had already planned her response. “Not now, I don’t have the time.”
She intended to stall Kason, hoping Jonathan and Dickson could uncover more information. If they could, she wouldn’t need to continue playing along with Kason. And truly, she didn’t have time to spar with him right now.
After she spoke, she turned to leave, but then heard Kason: “Is it because of your grandmother? I heard she doesn’t have much time left?”
“You’ve been checking up on me!” Sierra’s displeasure was evident, though she pretended to be merely provoked.
Kason quickly raised his hands defensively. “No, it just came up in conversation.” Who mentioned it? Sierra wondered.
“But it’s good I heard it! I might have a way to save your grandmother.”
Kason’s words interrupted Sierra’s thoughts, and she sharply turned to face him. “What did you say?”
“I said, I might have a way to save your grandmother,” Kason repeated slowly.
Sierra’s first reaction was disbelief; she thought Kason was deceiving her. But her second thought was of Kason’s involvement in illicit drug research, which might actually mean he had a way. She couldn’t deny being tempted; at that moment, Sierra wavered.
“What’s the catch?” Sierra asked.
Kason smiled and said nothing, only suggesting, “This isn’t the place to talk. I have to go, but if you decide, come find me.”
With that, Kason walked away, feeling somewhat triumphant. After so many interactions where he’d been manipulated, he finally felt he had the upper hand.
Lily was anxious and hesitant, and she didn’t notice Sierra’s preoccupation with Kason’s words. Sierra was overwhelmed and eager to talk to someone about it. Normally, Jonathan would have been back by now, but he was nowhere to be found, and his phone went unanswered.
At that moment, Jonathan had driven far enough and finally stopped. He then called Mateo to pick him up, throwing his phone onto the passenger seat and casually shedding his coat and suit jacket, loosening his cuffs. As he watched four well-built men exit a following car, their posture betraying their training, Jonathan narrowed his eyes and cracked a slight smile before stepping out of his car.
“One at a time, or all at once?” As he rolled up his sleeves, he asked casually.
The four men exchanged a glance, anger in their eyes at being so underestimated. They were cautious operators, tasked with bringing back a hand of the target, and couldn’t afford to screw up. Thus, they charged at Jonathan together.
Maddox and the others hadn’t left yet; they were still causing trouble for Shane. Receiving Jonathan’s call, they decided to head over together. When they arrived, Jonathan was leaning against his car, smoking, four men lying motionless near him, their condition unknown.
“What happened to the car?” Stone asked.