When the Flame of Love Fades (Sierra) novel Chapter 294

Chapter 294 Under Pressure

Finished

Stone and Maddox both looked grim. They’d just finished asking around, trying to get information through indirect channels -but came up empty.

At best, this was a data breach. At worst, it was treason.

When it came to national security, the system was airtight. No matter how much political pull they had, access was locked down. Even the smallest move could put a target on their backs.

“The more we interfere, the messier this could get,” Maddox said quietly.

Every powerful family had its enemies, all watching and waiting to pounce. A single misstep and they’d be torn apart, even if it was all based on lies.

Johnathan knew that. But it didn’t stop the knot in his chest from tightening.

He bit down on his cigarette filter. “Is there any way I can see her?”

He knew what Sierra feared most. That prison sentence had left deep scars, even if she never said it out loud. But he could feel it. Every day.

“I’ll try something,” Stone replied.

The He family had always been spotless–clean reputation, patriotic background. That made Stone a better fit for approaching this quietly than Maddox.

“Thanks,” Johnathan said. A rare moment of civility.

But no one cracked a joke. The room was too heavy for that.

“I’m worried this isn’t just about framing her,” Maddox muttered.

This wasn’t just about Sierra anymore. Draven had been pulled into it too.

And even though Draven technically stayed out of politics, everyone knew he was part of the Shen family.

Mateo chimed in. “Want me to see how far they’ve gotten?”

Maddox’s eyebrow twitched. “Can you not? I’d rather not have to bail you our too.”

The Radeons had ties to the national cybersecurity division, but that didn’t mean their methods went unnoticed.

Johnathan didn’t say anything. He was still deep in thought.

Right now, none of that mattered. Whoever was behind this could wait. First, he had to clear Sierra’s name and get her out.

At first, Sierra hadn’t realized just how bad things were.

But as time passed, it became clear this wasn’t just a misunderstanding. Multiple agencies had gotten involved. The interrogations came one after another, each more exhausting than the last.

Eventually, she couldn’t even focus anymore–just answered mechanically, her mind going blank.

She didn’t know how long she’d been stuck there. She’d started out thinking she’d be released soon.

Now, she was falling apart.

The overhead light snapped on again. Sierra’s expression was completely numb–until a voice rang out.

“Sierra!”

1:03 PM