Chapter 96: A Desperate Gamble

But just letting this slide? Impossible!

Thinking about what Dickson had gone through, Sierra’s gaze turned cold. She said, “Tell me, just how many illegal dealings take place here? Even if the police don’t find anything, if you’re reported every single day, do you really think this place will still have customers?”

A club like this thrived on secrecy. If it was constantly under investigation, who would dare come here anymore?

Sure enough, the manager’s face changed instantly. “Ms. Xander, I suggest you be careful with your words. Do you know who my boss is? Even your brother wouldn’t dare say something like that.”

Sierra let out a cold laugh. "Too bad I’m not Mr. Xander, and unlike him, I have nothing to lose. I’m not asking for much. I just want to take my brother, Dickson, and leave. I won’t meddle in anything else. Perhaps you should go ask your boss; he might just agree.”

Seeing her determined attitude, the manager hesitated. After a long pause, he finally said, “Then please wait here, Ms. Xander.”

Before leaving, he stole a glance at Jonathan, who had remained silent the entire time, as if trying to gauge his identity. Noticing the scrutiny, Jonathan casually lifted his gaze. The manager shuddered involuntarily.

He had been in this business a long time. He could always tell who could be messed with and who absolutely couldn’t. Jonathan was clearly the latter. Feeling uneasy, the manager quickly averted his gaze and left.

As soon as he was gone, Sierra let out a slow breath, tension easing slightly. She had been gambling just now. Now, she just had to wait and see if it would pay off. Low was Dickson. Her heart tightened with worry.

“Don’t worry. They’ll let him go.”

Jonathan’s hand rested gently on her shoulder, his touch steady and warm through the fabric of her clothes. The heat from his palm seeped into her skin, soothing her restless anxiety.

Moments later, the manager returned, his expression awkwardly apologetic. “I’m terribly sorry, Ms. Xander. It seems I made a mistake earlier. Dickson really was here! One of our employees just informed me. He came to meet a friend, had a few drinks, and is just now waking up. He should be here any minute.”

Just as he finished speaking, two men appeared, supporting Dickson as they walked. The moment Sierra saw him, her expression changed. Dickson’s face was deathly pale; cold sweat covered his forehead, and he could barely walk. One glance was enough to see something was terribly wrong.

“Dickson!”

Sierra rushed over, holding onto him as he swayed. She could feel him trembling violently. Was it from pain or fear?

The fury in her chest ignited instantly. Her gaze snapped back to the manager, ice-cold and sharp. “What did you do to him?”

“Ms. Xander, please don’t make baseless accusations.” The manager immediately raised his hands, feigning innocence.

“This is a legitimate establishment. We wouldn’t dare do anything improper. Like I said, he drank with a friend. That’s why he’s a little unsteady. If you don’t believe me, why don’t you ask your brother yourself?”

He turned to Dickson. “Dickson, isn’t that right?”

Sierra felt Dickson’s body tense. There was a long pause before he whispered, “Yes, Sierra. I came here on my own, I got drunk; my head hurts. Can we just go home?”

Sierra wasn’t convinced. But before she could press further, Dickson’s trembling hand gripped hers tightly, his eyes pleading, “Sierra, please. Let’s just go home.”

Supporting Dickson, she guided him toward the exit. As they passed the manager, his mocking voice drifted behind them. “Take care, Ms. Xander. Feel free to visit again. And Dickson, make sure to stop by next time too.” Sierra felt Dickson flinch violently.

Once outside, Dickson’s legs gave out beneath him. Sierra barely managed to hold him up. “We’re going to the hospital,” she said firmly.

Dickson was soaked in cold sweat, his body trembling uncontrollably. She didn’t believe a word the manager had said.

At the mention of the hospital, Dickson shook his head frantically. “No, Sierra. I don’t want to go to the hospital. I just want to go home. Please, I just want to go home.” His voice was filled with fear, his eyes wide with panic.

Sierra felt her heart clench. She couldn’t bear to see him like this. After a long pause, she finally relented. “Alright, we’ll go home. Don’t be scared. I’m taking you home now.”

Back at home…

The moment they stepped inside, Dickson rushed into the bathroom and locked the door behind him.

“Dickson…”

Sierra reached out, about to knock, but Jonathan stopped her. “Let him be alone for now.”

His voice was calm yet firm. There were some wounds he didn’t want anyone to see. And right now, Sierra wasn’t the person he needed.