When the Flame of Love Fades (Sierra) novel Chapter 99

Chapter 99 The Ties That Bind and Strangle

+8 Pearls

Jonathan’s gaze casually swept past Dickson as the boy hurried out the door. But in that brief glance, his sharp eyes caught something off about Dickson’s pants. His thin lips curled slightly, his expression turning icy cold behind the lenses of his glasses. A faint scoff slipped from his lips. “Idiot!”

Meanwhile, Sierra had no idea what Dickson was about to do. She had already arrived at the hotel restaurant. By the time she stepped in. James and Yulia had just arrived as well. Neither of them had ever been to such a high–end place, and their uneasiness was painfully obvious. Especially Yulia, she looked like she didn’t knows where to put her hands, glancing around uncomfortably,

The moment she spotted Sierra, she visibly relaxed and hurried over. “Sierra!” But as she reached out, Sierra stepped back. Her movements were subtle but deliberate. The avoidance was clear. Yulia’s face fell, looking hurt.

James was’t much better off, though he tried to mask it with a forced air of confidence.

Seeing Sierra, he relaxed slightly, before scoffing, “At least the Xander family finally found some conscience. After all these years, they finally remembered the daughter we raised for them.”

Sierra was just about to respond, but before she could, the private dining room door swung open again. This time, the Xander family walked in, leading the way were Franklin and Eleanor. Right behind them was Denise Xander, cradling a bouquet in one arm and carrying several exquisitely wrapped gifts in the other, her face glowing with happiness.

But the moment her eyes landed on Sierra; the smile froze for a brief second.

She quickly recovered, forcing herself to greet her, but then, she noticed James and Yulia. Her face instantly drained of color.

Sierra caught everything; her lips curved slightly, and she turned toward James and Yulia with an innocent smile.

“Weren’t you two missing your daughter? Well, here she is.”

The entire room went silent; expressions shifted immediately. Sean frowned, his patience snapping. “What the hell are you saying?”

Sierra tilted her head, looking completely unbothered. “Oh? Did I say something wrong? From a purely biological standpoint, they are Ms. Denise’s real parents. Not even God can change that. And since you invited us all here for a nice little meal,” she smiled sweetly. “Isn’t it the perfect time for a heartfelt family reunion?”

Sean’s face twisted in frustration. He wanted to refute her, but the words stuck in his throat. Franklin, sitting at the head of the table. let out a low cough, his brows knitting together.

“Sierra’s right. Fate brought both families together. Let’s sit down and eat

His tone was calm, but his eyes scanned the room sharply. Then his gaze flickered.

“Where is Madam Lily?”

Sierra immediately understood what he was getting at. Franklin was trying to use her grandmother as leverage.

She smiled, but her tone remained cool: “Grandma is’t feeling well. She doesn’t have the energy for socializing.”

She could practically see the irritation in Franklin’s eyes. But before he could press further, she turned back to Denise.

“Besides,” Sierra continued lightly, “Ms. Denise has already met my grandmother. So, today’s gathering should be focused on her meeting her real parents, don’t you think?”

Seeing her daughter’s distress, Eleanor finally spoke up. “There’s no such thing as real or not real in this family. You and Denise are both our daughters.”

Sierra arched her brow. “Oh, but that’s not quite right, is it?”

Her voice remained calm, but the air in the room suddenly felt suffocating. “After all, I’ve already taken my fair share of beatings for fifteen years. Wouldn’t you say that’s enough, Madam. Xander?”