When the Flame of Love Fades (Sierra) novel Chapter 271

Chapter 271 No Room for Reconciliation

Finished

Johnathan had never expected to take over the Wynn family without a fight. For days now–long before the party–he’d been preparing. Quietly, thoroughly.

But he wasn’t ready to play all his cards just yet. Now, it was up to the Wynn family to make their move.

Still, there were people he wasn’t planning to forgive. The Zach family, for one–the same Zach family that Susie came from.

“You sure about this?” Mateo asked quietly.

Going after the Zachs meant there was no coming back. Once he made that move, there would be no more pretending–he’d officially burned that bridge with Susie.

“I should’ve done this a long time ago.”

He’d spent years away from the Capital, avoiding the filth. But now, they wouldn’t stop showing up. And he was done pretending to tolerate them.

Though he hadn’t always been around, his ties with his closest friends never faded. Their bond wasn’t just built on childhood friendship—it was business too. Deep, serious business.

The moment he said the words, they all understood–there was no turning back.

“Alright then,” one of them said. “Let’s start with the Zachs.”

They sat around, going over their plan.

When Johnathan checked the time, he stood up. “I’ve got to go. I need to make dinner.”

And just like that, he grabbed his jacket and walked out, giving no one a chance to stop him.

*sshole,” Mateo said flatly. “Use us and leave. Typical.”

“Is no one gonna talk about how he said he’s going home to cook?” Draven blinked. “That’s boyfriend material right there. I’m asking her next time how she tamed a wild dog into a domestic house pet.”

“I’m recording this,” Mateo grinned. “Next time Johnathan gets cocky, I’m playing it for him.”

The jokes faded into something heavier.

“It’s only gonna get worse from here,” Maddox finally said. “His relationship with his father’s about to hit rock bottom. I actually think Susie’s always been pretty low–key. And Jose, that kid’s always been polite-” He thought about how every time he saw them, Jose was always so warm and enthusiastic, and let out a small sigh.

“Don’t say that in front of Johnathan,” Stone warned.

“I’m not stupid,” Maddox muttered, rubbing his temples. “I know what side I’m on. I just think it’s a shame. Jose’s… not a bad kid. If only Johnathan could see that.”

Draven leaned forward. “Yeah, well. That’s never gonna happen.”

Because unless his mother came back from the dead, there was no forgiveness to be found.

Back at Sierra’s apartment, she was about to run into Jose.

When the doorbell rang, she assumed it was Huang Yao. Instead, it was someone she never expected–one of the classmates she’d bumped into a few times.

She didn’t open the door. Instead, she spoke into the intercom, calm and sharp.

“How’d you find me? Who are you really?”

“My name’s Jose,” the boy said. “I’m… Johnathan’s half–brother. Can I talk to you for a minute?”