When the Flame of Love Fades (Sierra) novel Chapter 317

Chapter 317 Brewing Doubts

Sierra didn’t answer.

She already knew who Shane was implying–but she refused to believe it.

She couldn’t believe that Johnathan would ever do something like that.

And yet, Shane’s voice kept echoing in her ears.

“You think he’s clean? He’s no cleaner than anyone else.”

His tone was low–too low for Autumn to hear–but Sierra caught every word. Without hesitation, she grabbed the cup on the table and threw it straight at him.

Shane hadn’t expected her to act so suddenly. With his limited mobility, he had no way to dodge it. The sugary drink splashed all over his face, sticky sweetness clinging to his skin and clothes. The smell was sickening.

Before he could react, Sierra was already on her feet.

“A person like you has no right to judge anyone–let alone him.”

Without another word, she grabbed her bag and called to Autumn, then stormed out of the restaurant, leaving Shane alone.

He sat frozen in his wheelchair, stunned. A long moment passed before a server cautiously approached and handed him a napkin.

“Sir… are you all right?”

That seemed to jolt Shane back to life. His familiar, polished smile slid back into place.

“I’m fine. Thank you.”

Seeing his polite demeanor, the server couldn’t help but comment,

“Your girlfriend sure has a temper.”

Shane was momentarily taken aback. Then his smile deepened, just a bit more genuine.

“Yeah… she’s always been like that. Can’t blame her, though. I did her wrong once…”

Maybe the server had never met someone who could stay so gentle even after being doused with a drink. She kept chatting, but Shane only nodded vaguely. No one could tell what was really going through his mind.

Downstairs, Sierra pulled Autumn along, walking fast and tight–lipped.

Noticing her expression, Autumn didn’t dare say a word.

Not until they stepped outside did Sierra finally stop. She let out a breath and said apologetically, “Autumn, let’s just end the day here. We can hang out again in a few days.”

“Sure,” Autumn replied, then added, “Don’t let someone like that get to you. He’s not worth your anger.”

“I know.”

Sierra felt warmth spread through her chest. Autumn’s words lifted some of the weight from her heart.

After saying goodbye, Sierra didn’t head home right away. Instead, she called Johnathan again. Still no answer.

1

ach and

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12.09 PM

“What did you come in contact with?”

The numbers on her report were far too high. Something wasn’t adding up.

“I… I don’t know.” Quinn bit her lip.

Johnathan looked at her, then asked in a low voice, “What about Dora? Did you get her tested?”

“No.” Quinn shook her head, looking distressed.

“Get some rest,” Johnathan said. “I’ll come check on you tomorrow.”

As he turned to go, he suddenly remembered–Dora still hadn’t been picked up.

Everything had happened so fast, he’d asked his secretary to grab her. But she couldn’t stay with the secretary forever.

Just as he reached for his phone to make arrangements, he noticed several missed calls–from Sierra.

He called her right away.

Sierra had just gotten home when her phone rang.

“Where are you?” she asked, her tone sharp.

There was a pause before Johnathan answered. “The hospital.”

“The hospital? What happened? Are you okay?”

“It’s not me,” he said. “I’ll explain when I get home.”