The Lost Heiress: Never Forgiven (Sierra Xander) novel Chapter 527

"Then what have you been avoiding me for every day?"

Mateo frowned at Dickson. "Don’t tell me you haven’t. I’m not an idiot."

"There really isn’t anything…"

Dickson didn’t know what to say, and he couldn’t even bring himself to look Mateo in the eye.

Hearing that, Mateo felt a flash of irritation. He had been nothing but open with Dickson, yet the kid was still giving him this attitude.

He nodded stiffly. "Fine. Fine!"

He didn’t ask again, just turned and walked away.

For the rest of the day, everyone could tell something was off between them.

Jonathan and Sierra didn’t feel it was their place to ask, but Draven did pull Mateo aside.

"What’s going on with you and Dickson? Why are you taking it out on a kid?"

"A kid? He’s my boss!" Mateo snapped. "I’ve treated him with nothing but sincerity, like a little brother, and I don’t even know how I offended him. But now he’s clearly sick of me."

Draven gave him a look and frowned. "Do you hear yourself? That sarcasm of yours — who could stand it?"

"I’ve got a bad temper. Just leave me alone and let me cool off," Mateo said impatiently.

Draven let out a short laugh of disbelief. "You think I want to meddle? Dickson’s Sierra’s brother. Even if you won’t give him face, at least give her some. Don’t make it so awkward. Just smooth things over."

"Fine, I get it," Mateo muttered.

He truly had no idea what was going on with Dickson. He had been good to him from the start — first out of respect for Jonathan and Sierra, and later because he genuinely found the kid obedient and sharp, someone he could treat like his own little brother.

Then, out of nowhere, Dickson began keeping his distance. It made no sense and left Mateo more annoyed than anything.

He wasn’t the type to keep chasing after someone who didn’t want him around, so after adjusting his mood, he simply cooled his attitude toward Dickson. No more open hostility, but certainly no warmth either.

Sierra had been quietly watching the two of them, feeling a knot of emotions in her chest.

That day, because Sierra wasn’t feeling well, no one went hiking. They had a barbecue in the courtyard instead.

The smell of greasy food bothered her, but luckily Susie had made plenty of pickled radish and some preserved vegetables, which she enjoyed.

The thought made Mateo’s mood sink again.

"Keep it quiet for now," Mateo groaned. "If my grandpa finds out, he’ll be on me to give him a great-grandchild immediately."

Normally, Jonathan would have laughed at him, but today he stayed quiet.

Draven and Stone seemed to feel the same way. For Stone, it was purely a matter of time — he was usually stationed at the military base and only occasionally hung out with Jonathan and the others, leaving little chance to meet anyone new.

Draven, on the other hand, glanced over at Autumn, his jaw tight.

Autumn noticed and immediately looked away.

For a while, Draven had been reaching out to her often. At first, she didn’t understand his intentions, but later she caught on. After that, she rarely replied to his messages.

It wasn’t just that she felt no spark with Draven — even if she did, his family background was enough to make her back away.

Not everyone could be like Sierra. And not everyone could be like Jonathan.

She simply didn’t have that kind of courage.