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Chapter 107

Chapter 104 Selective Concern
+8 Pearls
The so–called “bullies” inthatplace were nothing more than pawns–just puppets controlled by Shane.
Inside the hospital room, the silencewasheavy. Dickson sat there, his mouth slightly open, staring at Sierra. He didn’t dare ask what she had been through back then, nor did he have the courage to ask if Daphne had suffered the same way.
Outside the room, Jonathanstoodstill, his hand resting on the doorknob, but he didn’t push it open.
He had heard everyword.
A flicker of something dark flashed through his eyes, something even hehadn’tnoticed before–cold, restrained fury.
After a while, the conversation inside the hospital room shifted to something else. Only then did Jonathan finally knock on the door and step inside.
“Is Dickson’s awake! Perfect timing–1 brought food Jonathan walked over and set down the takeout containers one by one. “The doctor said his woundsareinflamed, so he should stick to lightmeals.” He handed Sierraaset of utensils. “You should eat something too.”
Thank you, Mr.Jonathan, Sierra said politely, taking the utensils herself.
Jonathan glanced at her briefly, his lips pressing together in a faintline.
After they ate, Jonathan had other matters to attend to, so he left first.
As soon as he was gone, Dickson hesitated before asking. “Sierra… did you andMr.Jonathanhavea fight?”
Something about them seemed different. The waytheyspoke to each other felt distant–nothing like before.
“Of course not” Sierra said withaforcedsmile. “Mr.Jonathanissuchakind person. WhywouldI ever fight with him?”
Even as she said it, her mind drifted back to Jonathan’s words earlier.
She had caught him off guard when she asked that question. Hehadpaused for a moment before adjusting his glasses and saying, “Obviously, as your teacher. Have you forgotten?You’re my student.”
At that moment, Sierra didn’t know whether tofeelrelieved or disappointed.
Jonathanhaddonesomuchfor her–farmore than a teacher normally would. It was clear that he treated her differently, and no matter how much shetoldherself not to overthink it, she couldn’t help but wonder.
Buifrom now on, she wouldn’t think about it anymore.
To Jonathan, she was justastudent.Nothingmore.
Maybe he simply had more patience with her because she was giftedacademically
All she had to dowasmake sure she didn’t disappointhim–to repay the kindness he had shown herasa mentor.
Dickson didn’t want to stay in thehospital. The moment hewasawake, he insisted on going home.
But the doctor refused to discharge him. The more they tried to stop him, the more agitated he became, growing restless and
anxious
After taiking it over with the doctor, Sierrafinallyconvinced him to dischargeDickson. He prescribedalonglistoforalandtopical medications for his recovery.
Before they left, the doctor pulled Sierra aside.
“It would be best if you took himtoseeatherapist,” headvised. “He’sshowingclearsignsofpsychological trauma.”
Sierra took the doctor’s words seriously.
* Pearls
Chapter 104 Selective Concern
She had noticed the changes in Dickson. He had become extremely sensitive–flinching at the smallest noises, constantly on edge. Whenever hesawa stranger, his eyes filled with unease as if he was bracing himself for the worst.
But for now, taking himhomewas the priority.
AsSierra was handling the discharge paperwork, she unexpectedly saw Bradley striding through the hospital corridor.
When he spotted her, his expression mirrored her surprise.
“What are you doing here?”heasked.
This wasn’t the hospital where Lily usually went.
Bradley looked her over, his brows knitting together. “Are you sick?”
“I’m perfectly fine, but thank you for your concern, Mr. Xander, Sierrasaid, her tone polite yet distant. But as she met his eyes, something clicked. “Ms. Denise is sick again, isn’t she?”
The way Sierra said “again” was deliberate.
Ever since she joined the Xander family, Denise had been constantly falling ill.
EverytimeSierra achieved something, Denise conveniently fell ill–whether it was placing firstinher exams or giving gifts to the Xander family. It was as if she was always sick or on the verge of it.
Bradley stiffened slightly. He picked up on the sarcasm in her words.
In the past, he would have snapped at her, accusing her of being heartless towards Denise.
But after what Sierra had said to them earlier that day, he couldn’t bring himself to say a word.
The second Denny showed any sign of feeling unwell, her entire family rushed to take care of her.
But Sierra? She had been beaten to the point of needing medical attention, yet she wasn’t even allowed to go to the hospital. There were things they had chosen to ignore before.
But now, as Bradley replayed the past in his mind, he couldn’t shake the realization.
Denise’s illnesses had always been suspiciously well–timed.
Thoughthisume. she was actually sick.
“Denny is having heart surgery.”
Heart surgery?
Sierra raised an eyebrow, a little surprised, but she didn’t care enough to ask. Bradley, however, spoke up. “A lot happened after you left.
“I don’t need to know. It’s none ofmybusiness.”
Withthat, Sierra turnedandwalked away.
Whatever had happeneddidn’tmatter–she already knew how it would end.
Even if the Xander family found out Denise had lied to them, they still wouldn’t blame her. Instead, they’d just keep makingexcusesfor her, like they always did.