Chapter 370 The Edge of Trust
“Alright, send it over. I’ll take a look.”
Johnathan’s voice was calm and unreadable.
“Got it.”
Quinn responded just as briskly, saying she’d handle it. Before hanging up, she added, “Hey, when are you all free? I want to treat you, Sierra, and Mateo to a meal.”
She’d mentioned this before–bringing Dora back had only been possible thanks to them.
Johnathan had planned to decline, but something flickered in his mind. He paused, then said, “This weekend. Sierra’s free then.”
After the call ended, Mateo couldn’t help but say, “From what I’ve seen, Quinn doesn’t seem like the problem. Maybe she was just being used.”
Johnathan said nothing.
That would be the best–case scenario, but he couldn’t let himself fully believe it.
Even if everything pointed to Quinn’s innocence, even if she really was just a pawn, he wouldn’t trust her completely.
Mateo understood how Johnathan worked and didn’t push further. Instead, he asked, “Sierra’s actually coming this weekend?”
There were only two days left, and judging by Sierra’s attitude today, he had no idea where Johnathan got the confidence to fix things in that short span.
Johnathan shot him a look, as if to say he clearly didn’t know anything.
It was precisely because he didn’t know how to get Sierra to show up that he agreed to Quinn’s dinner in the first place. He was certain Sierra would come.
Sure enough, that evening when he called her, Sierra agreed almost immediately. She wanted to know what role Quinn had played in all of this–and what the truth was with Dora.
Dora was only three years old. Could she really have been used as a pawn?
The weekend came quickly. Johnathan drove over early and waited outside Sierra’s place for a while before she came down.
She looked hesitant. Johnathan immediately said, “Don’t let her see any cracks. We still don’t know if she was involved or just being used. If it’s the former, we can’t let her get what she wants.”
He really understood Sierra’s mindset. Sure enough, after a brief hesitation, she nodded.
D
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Chapter 370 The Edge of Trust
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These days, even getting close to Sierra meant resorting to strategies like this.
He’d been calling her every night. She always picked up, but barely said a word.
Johnathan knew–if he didn’t try harder this time, they might keep drifting further apart.
Finished
Over the past few days, he’d been replaying that day’s events in his mind, again and again. Once the emotion settled and his reason returned, he knew exactly what he had to do.
In the car, Sierra remained silent. Johnathan talked about the past couple of days, then shifted the conversation to Dickson.
“School’s about to start. He’s been busy packing. There’ll be a military training session once classes begin.”
That finally got a reaction from Sierra. Dickson had done well–he’d gotten into the university he wanted. But she’d been so caught up with her research that they hadn’t even seen each other. All they had were phone calls.
She hadn’t been much of a big sister lately.
Johnathan continued, “I stopped by yesterday. He’s almost done packing. Got everything ready.”
Sierra’s lips parted slightly—she was about to say something when Johnathan cut in, “What happened the other day–that was my fault. Also, I owe you an apology. I used location tracking without asking for your permission.”
He knew exactly what Sierra minded most, so he brought it up right away.
After a moment, Sierra finally said, “Johnathan, do we really have to do this? You’re using the same tactics on me as you do on others?”
First, mention Dickson to stir guilt and soften her up. Then slip in an apology.
He was using the same manipulative playbook he used on outsiders.
Johnathan paused at her words, then laughed softly. “No. I would never use this kind of approach on anyone else. If you don’t believe me, ask Mateo or the others.”
He’d never bowed his head to anyone–not even the old man from the Wynn family had gotten the better of him.
Only Sierra was different. With her, he’d try anything.
“I deal with everyone else using force. Yes, I’ll admit–I used a little trickery. But I didn’t know what else to do. I can’t stand this distance between us. Not even for a day. And I get what you’re feeling. I’m trying to change. Sierra, just give me some time. I’ve never been a good person. Years of habit made me obsessed with control. I don’t want to be powerless anymore—waiting until everything falls apart before I do something.”
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Chapter 370 The Edge of Trust
Finished
Her heart softened. She looked at him and asked, “Is there anything else you’re hiding from me?”
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