Chapter 202: A Choice to Make

If such a drug really existed, the Richardson family would have released it by now. Since they hadn't, that could only mean one thing—it wasn't legal.

Seeing Sierra calm down a little, Johnathan continued, “Maybe the drug has side effects, or causes dependency. Or maybe… they’re not using drugs at all.”

“Not a drug? Then what was it?”

Sierra instinctively turned to look at Johnathan. He let out a quiet sigh. His Sierra was still too naive. Holding her hand for a moment, he finally said, “A lot of powerful people can do whatever they want, including buying lives.”

A shudder ran through her entire body. Sierra had expected this reaction. He pulled her into his arms. Warmth slowly melted away the cold fear that gripped her. After a long silence, Sierra finally spoke.

“Johnathan, in two days, let’s go to the beach. I already told your grandmother.”

“Alright. Everything’s ready.”

Maddox happened to own a private island—secluded, with no one to disturb them. Johnathan had even arranged for a medical team to be on standby, ensuring nothing unexpected would happen to Sierra’s grandmother. That night, Sierra stayed at Johnathan’s place. They fell asleep in each other’s arms, but Johnathan was unusually well-behaved—barely touching her. He knew her heart was heavy tonight. Still, it was torture for him.

Since they’d gotten together, aside from some kisses and hugs, nothing had happened between them. Not because he didn’t want to, but because every time he tried to take things further, Sierra would look at him with wide, fearful eyes and mumble that she just needed time to adjust. Adjust to what? He had a pretty good idea. Sometimes, having too much to offer wasn’t necessarily a good thing. Sierra hadn’t seen the full picture yet, but she had probably guessed—and that was enough to make her wary.

Johnathan exhaled slowly, trying to think of something else to calm himself down. But right at that moment, Sierra snuggled closer, resting her head on his chest. What a little tormentor! Johnathan felt helpless, but what could he do? She was his. He could only spoil her. Pulling her even closer, he let his body heat chase away her lingering cold.

After a while, Sierra murmured, “Johnathan, let’s never become people like that.”

She wasn’t just reminding Johnathan—she was reminding herself. She was afraid. Afraid that one day, she’d forget her principles. When Kason made his offer, she had been tempted. In that moment, nothing else had mattered—only keeping her grandmother by her side. She hadn’t stopped to think about where the drug had come from or what the cost would be. Until Johnathan laid it all bare. She wasn’t stupid. If she had really thought it through, she would have realized it. But in that moment, she had chosen to run away from the truth.

Hearing her words, Johnathan simply replied, “Alright.”

Kason had expected Sierra to call him soon. But after two days with no word, he finally lost patience and dialed her number himself.

“Sierra, have you thought about it?”

“I’m taking my grandma on a trip for a few days. I’ll find you when I get back. We’ll talk then,” Sierra said calmly.

The moment Kason heard that, his expression eased. He couldn’t wait to report the good news. Shane, however, just let out a cold scoff when he heard. Hanging up the phone, his eyes flashed with disappointment. So that was it? Sierra was just another ordinary, predictable person, boring.

Meanwhile, Sierra had just arrived at a private island with her grandmother, Dickson, and Johnathan. She had assumed they were heading to the popular beach city of Oceanville. But when their private jet landed and they transferred to a helicopter, she finally understood the meaning of obscene wealth. As they stepped off the chopper, Sierra couldn’t help but glance at Johnathan. He had said he’d handle the trip, but she hadn’t expected this. Johnathan, of course, had already prepared his excuse.

“You’re a public figure now. If you go anywhere, you’ll have to wear a mask, and if people recognize you, it’ll be a hassle. Places like Granville are too crowded and noisy. Sierra’s grandmother’s here to relax—she wouldn’t enjoy herself in that kind of chaos. She’s never been on a trip before, so this one has to be perfect.”

Sierra thought about it and had to admit he had a point. This would be her grandmother’s one and only vacation.