Chapter 256: Shadows of the Past

Mateo and the others shook their heads. “We don’t know the exact reason. We just know he was in a very bad mood.”

“You know Jon. If he doesn’t want to talk about something, no one can make him. Sierra, don’t take it personally—it’s just how he is.”

“But it’s probably something to do with his family.”

The group, understanding Jonathan’s affection for Sierra, decided to offer some insight. “Has he ever told you anything about his family?”

Sierra shook her head. “He’s only mentioned his mother.”

“Right. His relationship with his father is strained. His mother passed away a long time ago, and he used to live with his grandfather. But their family is large, and even though his grandfather favored him, he still had to consider the rest of the family. Do you understand?” Mateo explained quietly.

Strictly speaking, this was overstepping boundaries. If Jonathan found out, he might be unhappy. But they had been friends for so long—they simply wanted the best for him.

Sierra, who already suspected Jonathan’s strained family relationships, wasn’t surprised. She nodded. “Thanks for telling me. Don’t worry, I won’t say anything.”

“Wait until he’s ready to tell you himself.”

“Oh, and next week is his birthday.”

“Just… be mindful of that day,” Mateo reminded her softly.

Sierra was about to ask for clarification when Jonathan and Maddox returned. The group quickly changed the subject.

Draven turned to Sierra. “I work at XX Research Institute. Want to come check it out?”

XX Research Institute specialized in astrophysics, so Sierra had, of course, heard of it. Even though it wasn’t her field, it was the top space research institution in the country. If she had the chance, she definitely wanted to visit.

“Would that be allowed?” Institutions like that weren’t easy to access.

“Most people wouldn’t be able to, but you? No problem,” Draven replied. “I’ll bring it up at work tomorrow and let you know.”

“Alright!” Sierra nodded.

Jonathan glanced at Draven and casually reminded him, “Don’t make her work for free.”

“Of course not!” Draven quickly reassured him. “I’d scam anyone before I’d scam Sierra!”

Sierra found it amusing—so this wasn’t just a visit, huh?

The conversation flowed naturally, shifting from topic to topic as they ate. The atmosphere remained light, and Sierra truly enjoyed herself. She could tell Mateo and the others had fully accepted her; they treated her like one of their own.

For over twenty years, she had never truly had friends. This was a new, oddly warm, and unfamiliar feeling.

On the drive back, the smile never left Sierra’s face.

“You’re that happy?” Jonathan asked.

“Yeah! Jonathan, your friends are great.”

“Yeah,” Jonathan agreed; even he couldn’t argue with that. Over the years, they hadn’t seen each other much, but their bond had never faded.

After a brief pause, he added, “They’re the friends my mother found for me when she was still alive.” After she passed, he never formed close connections again.

Hearing him mention his mother, Sierra sensed an opening. She hesitated before carefully asking, “Did she pass away from an illness?”

This time, Jonathan didn’t answer immediately. Sierra saw the resistance in his expression—his entire demeanor darkened. She was about to tell him he didn’t have to answer, but then Jonathan spoke.

“No. She didn’t die from an illness.” His voice was low and strained. “She… killed herself.”