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Chapter 97

Chapter 94 A Calculated Move
They could recall every detail of Denise’s diet, down to what she ateeachday. But when it came to Sierra–no one had any idea when or how she had taught herself biochemistry.
“She couldn’t have learned it at home,”Franklinsaid, deep in thought. “Which means she must have picked it up in prison. Look into who she was close to during those three years.”
“Dad, youmean…?” Bradleywasstarting to understand whathisfather was getting at.
*If someone taught Sierra that well, they must be a genius too. And right now, we need people like that,” Franklin’s tone was
decisive.
Evan couldn’t help but ask, “And what about Sierra? Are we just going to ignore her?”
“She holds too much resentmenttowardsus. That won’t change overnight,” Franklinsaid,hisexpressiondark.
Over the past few days,Franklinhad receivedseveralprobingphonecalls, all with thesamebackhanded compliment—“Like father, likedaughter. Your daughter turnedoutto be impressive
He wasn’t fooled. He knew they were just enjoying the show.
In high society, there were norealsecrets. Sierra’s namehadnever once come upamongthe elite. Most people didn’t evenknowhehadanother daughter–proof of just howdistanttheirrelationshipwas.
Saying he had no regrets would be a lie. He had never imagined the daughter he ignored foryearswouldturn out to bethisextraordinary.
“Reach out to the Colemans,” Franklin said. “Findachance forbothfamilies tohavedinner. The mix–upatbirth mayhavebeen a mistake, but it still tiesustogether.”
Sierramightnot care much for their family, but she clearly valued the Colemans. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have been so invested in Lily.
Bradley frowned. “I don’t think Sierra is particularly close to them.”
Franklinshot his eldest son look. “As long as Sierra cares about Madam Lily, that’s enough. After all, Denise was their biological daughter. There’s no way Madam Lily wouldn’t care about her.”
“Yourfather’s right,” Eleanor added. “We should try to reconnect with the Coleman family. They are Denise’s biological family, after all. It doesn’t make sense that we’ve hadnocontact with them all these years.Franklin,you should handle it.”
“Gut it.” Bradley nodded. “I’ll make arrangements onceDeniseis out of the hospital.”
Sierra had no idea the Xander family was setting up another mess for her.
Overthepastcouple of days, she had settled back into her usual routine–attending classes during the day and spending her evenings in thelab.
By now, she had become a full–blown campus celebrity. Especially in herdepartment, where every timeshewalked by, she drew one hundred percent of the attention.
In her class,the shift was even more olivious. Those who had once sneered at her now lookedashamedof themselves.
A few had even tried to talk to her–but she ignored them.
She didn’t need friends like that!
Kason had been unusually quiet thesepastfew days. Not just him–Shane, too, had gone completely silent.
Ever since theirlastencounter,Shane hadn’t contacted heratall. Itwasasif hehaddisappeared.
But Sierrawasn’tabout to let her guard downShanewas likeavenoussnake—silent, lurking, and ready to strike at any
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Chapter 94 A Calculated Move
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FB Pearls
Lately, she had been spending more time at thelab. After learning that the research institute had ties to the Richardson family, she had stopped keeping to herself. Instead, she had started interacting more with others.
Becauseof kason,severalresearchers were eager to befriend her. Through thein, she learned that the lab mainly focused on developing pre–market pharmaceuticals.
She also made sure to drop subtle hints about the experiments she was working on, knowing full well the information would eventually reach Kason.
Sure enough, that afternoon, she received a call from him, asking to meet the next day. She agreed without hesitation.
As shewalkedbackto her apartment complex, already strategizing how to handleKason,she spotted Bradley waiting Her hrows furrowed slightly, but she kept her gaze straight ahead, acting as if she hadn’t seen him.
“Sierral”Bradleycalled out, stopping her. “I need totalkto you”
She stared at him in silence.
Sierra stared at Bradley in silence. Sensing her reluctance, he quicklysaid, “Denise is getting discharged tomorrow. Let’s have dimer together. As if expecting her to refuse, he immediately added, “It won’t just be our family. Your adoptive parents and Madam Lily will be there too–I’ve already spoken to them. After all, our families haveneverhada meal together before. No matter what’s happened, we’re stilltiedto each other in some way.”
Sierra gavehima strange look. “You’re inviting them? Does Denise know?”
Bradley shook hishead. “Not yet. But if you come, she’ll be thrilled.”
It didn’t take long for Sierra to figure out what the Xander family was up to..
She suddenly smiled. “Where’s the dinner? I’ll be there tomorrow,”
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