Chapter 98: Justice or Revenge?

“Why should I be the one to die when I did nothing wrong? If anyone deserves to suffer, it should be them.” Sierra never used to say things like this, but tonight, after what happened to Dickson, she couldn’t hold it back any longer. Perhaps Jonathan wouldn’t understand why she was so determined to help Dickson. But in truth, she wasn’t just helping him; she was helping herself.

Looking at Dickson struggling in despair, she saw a reflection of her past self. Back then, she had also wished for someone to reach out and save her. She had been through the storm, and that was why she wanted to shield others from the rain. Even if she had nothing, even if she couldn’t change the world, she still wanted to protect him. Jonathan, watching her silent resolve, finally understood her reasoning. A rare sense of something unspoken stirred in his heart.

“Leave this to me. Don’t get involved.”

Sierra immediately rejected his offer. “Mr. Yeager, that’s not going to work.” She had already owed him too much. She couldn’t let him get dragged into this any further. “This is my problem. And besides, you can’t keep helping me forever. Once you leave, who else can I rely on?” She smiled slightly, trying to sound casual. Deep down, she knew she could only depend on herself. She had learned that long ago.

“Just look into the club’s background for me. That alone is already a huge help.”

Sierra could tell that Jonathan didn’t really care about Dickson. If he had offered to help, it was likely because of her words earlier, before today. Sierra had never thought much about it. But now, she realized something: Jonathan seemed easy to approach, but in reality, he was distant and detached. Perhaps because she had always seen him as “Misty,” she had unconsciously placed him on a pedestal. But tonight, that illusion faded.

Seeing her firm stance, Jonathan didn’t push further. He simply said, “I’ll let you know once I have more information. Just don’t act recklessly. If you need anything, ask me. I may just be a teacher, but protecting someone isn’t beyond me.”

If anyone who truly knew Jonathan had heard these words, they would have been shocked beyond belief. Jonathan never offered to protect anyone. His words carried more weight than Sierra realized. But she simply laughed playfully. “Then I’ll thank you in advance, Mr. Yeager.”

After leaving Sierra’s place, Jonathan returned to his own apartment. For the first time in years, he found himself frowning at how cold and lifeless his surroundings felt. “When did I start to dislike this kind of silence?”

His thoughts drifted back to Sierra’s determined expression. With a sigh, he picked up his phone. “Look into what happened to her in prison during those three years. Find out who hurt her. List every single name. But don’t make a move yet. Wait for my orders.” A pause. Then, his voice turned even colder. “Also, find out who owns Dynasty Club.”

When the name on the other end of the line was finally revealed, Jonathan let out a small, amused scoff. “Him?” His lips curled into a mocking smirk. “Get in touch with him. I want to know exactly what happened to Dickson there tonight. I want solid proof.” With that, he ended the call; even if Sierra didn’t want his help, he would still take action behind the scenes. She was wasting her time on people who weren’t worth it. If she had this much energy, she should be spending it on her research.

Meanwhile, Sierra was still worried about Dickson. But to her surprise, he seemed better than she expected. Aside from looking a little tired, he didn’t seem to be showing any serious symptoms.

“Just rest at home for the next few days; don’t think about anything else. You’re still a fine young man; you were smart and hardworking.” Sierra didn’t want him to end up like his father. Seeing that he seemed stable, she felt slightly relieved. “I have to head out for a while; call me if anything happens.”

“Okay, Sierra!” Dickson nodded obediently. But the moment she walked out the door, the last bit of warmth vanished. He stood in silence, staring blankly ahead. Then, he slowly walked toward the kitchen. Reaching for the knife block, his fingers hovered over the handle. His eyes darkened with resolve.

He wasn’t doubting Sierra. He knew she would keep her promise. But last night, when he was released, he’d been warned: if he said anything, the next one to suffer wouldn’t just be him. It would be Sierra. Dickson grated his teeth. Sierra was smart, strong, and kind. She had already suffered so much. He couldn’t be dragged into this. This was his fight, his revenge. Not hers.

Tightly wrapping the fruit knife, he slid it into his pocket. Just as he was about to leave the house, he bumped into the door. Dickson froze for a moment before lowering his head. “Mr. Yeager.” Then, without another word, he quickly walked away.