Chapter 242: A Place to Call Home

Mateo grabbed Dickson by the collar and dragged him away without hesitation. He had long noticed the way Jonathan was looking at Sierra—as if he couldn't wait to be alone with her. "We should go check out our place, too," he said. Jonathan took Sierra’s hand and led her toward their apartment. Hearing "home" made Sierra feel warm inside. She finally had a place that truly belonged to her and Jonathan.

The apartment was one Jonathan had purchased and fully renovated, with the furniture arranged according to his taste: monochrome, simple, and minimalist. "If you don’t like it, we can redo it however you want," he offered. Jonathan knew Sierra preferred a warmer, cozier aesthetic. "Alright," Sierra agreed easily. It was their home; she had every right to make it her own.

They unpacked together, dividing up the work. Sierra focused on organizing their clothes, while Jonathan set up his study—his book collection was massive. Once they finished, Mateo called, inviting them down for dinner. Sierra wanted to see her new apartment anyway, so she and Jonathan headed over.

The unit wasn’t brand new; there were clear signs of previous occupancy. Mateo, worried they might be displeased, quickly explained, "This complex doesn’t have many small apartments. Most buyers are students or professionals. New units were unavailable, so we had to get a second-hand one. The previous owner barely lived here for two years—it’s in great condition." What he didn’t mention was that he had paid nearly double the market price to convince the owner to sell.

Sierra shook her head. "I don’t mind." The place had a lived-in feel that made it warm and inviting—just the kind of home she liked. "Dickson, what do you think?" she asked, turning to look at him. Dickson nodded enthusiastically. "I love it." At some point, he had stopped calling her Ms. Sierra and started using just her name, a sign of how much closer they had become. Dinner, delivered from a hotel, was a thoughtful touch; Mateo had thought of everything.

"What do you think?" Sierra looked at Jonathan. Naturally, Jonathan wouldn’t refuse her request; he nodded. Mateo, watching from the side, was thoroughly impressed.

"Ma'am, only you can make Jonathan change his mind. I’m free anytime. Draven’s already here in the Capital, and Stone will be back in a couple of days. The only one left is the Treno family," Mateo said. Maddox was still in Maviston, overseeing Kason’s case, which wasn’t quite over yet. Kason’s crimes had implicated many powerful figures, keeping Maddox buried in work.

Jonathan spoke up, "He’ll be back soon." He had spoken to Maddox just two days ago. The case was wrapping up, and formal charges were about to be filed. As for everyone else implicated in Kason’s web, they would be dealt with in time. He shared the latest news: "Kason confessed to everything. He’s lost count of how many people died because of him. His crimes are severe—he will receive the death penalty. Everyone else involved will get what they deserve." He glanced at Sierra before continuing, "Evan’s sentencing has also been decided."

Sierra turned to him. "Will he go to prison?"

"He was a late recruit. This time, he won’t face jail time, but he’s been permanently barred from the industry."

Sierra absorbed this information, feeling a strange mix of emotions. Maybe, for Evan, this was the cruelest punishment. He had devoted over twenty years of his life to biochemistry. And now… She shook her head, saying nothing. Everyone had to face the consequences of their choices; Evan was no exception.

What Jonathan didn’t tell her was that Yulia had died. Her health had always been poor, and after being subjected to experimental drugs, she had barely been holding on in the hospital. She had been asking to see Sierra, to the point where the request had even reached Maddox. Maddox had called Jonathan about it, but he had chosen not to tell Sierra.

It took two days to settle in. On Monday, Sierra prepared to report to the university. Jonathan wanted to go with her, but she refused. "Mr. Jonathan, I’m not a child. I can manage on my own." Jonathan was too well-known; if he showed up, all eyes would be on her. What she didn’t realize was that, in this field, she was just as famous now. Geniuses were rare, but prodigies like her were almost unheard of.