When the Flame of Love Fades (Sierra) novel Chapter 223

Chapter 223 The Descent

Sierra’s lips curled into a smirk.

“Rather than listening to you talk in circles, I’d rather see it for myself.”

Kason laughed.:

“I like that about you Come on, I’ll take you downstairs”

He gestured for her to follow but then paused. His gaze flickered to the bag she was carrying.

“Leave the bag here.

Sierra arched a brow, expression unreadable.

She tossed the bag onto the couch without hesitation.

Then, she gave Kason a slow, knowing smile–like she was laughing at him.

Kason quickly explained, “It’s not that I don’t trust you. That area doesn’t allow personal belongings. Even we have to change into research uniforms before going in.”

Sierra said nothing. She merely followed.

Her hands remained in the deep pockets of her coat, fingers brushing against the hidden weapon inside.

She had to time this carefully.

The facility was massive–she’d noticed that last time.

Kason led her down a private elevator.

When they arrived, Sierra noted the security system: biometric scans, specifically retinal verification.

Her stomach twisted slightly.

If the place was this secure, the information inside had to be invaluable.

The heavy metal doors groaned open..

An overwhelming strich flooded her senses.

A mix of antiseptic and something far worse. Rot. Decay.

Kason acted like nothing was out of the ordinary.

“Let’s change first.”

They entered the locker room

Kason shrugged off his coat, reaching for the sterile research uniform.

Sierra followed suu, peeling off her outerwear.

But just as she was about to change. Kason’s voice cut through the air.

“Wait. What’s in your pocket?”

Sterra’s heartbeat slammed into her ribs.

Inside the surveillance van, both Johnathan and Mateo tensed.

Mateo cursed under his breath.

8:35 PM

Chapter 223 The Descent

Johnathan had already pushed the door open, stepping onto the pavement.

Mateo lunged, grabbing his arm.

“Wait! If you go now, you’ll blow the entire operation. Sierra will be in even more danger.”

The only thing that stopped Johnathan was that one name.

Sterna

After a long moment, he exhaled sharply and got back into the van.

Mateo muttered a prayer.

“She better have a plan.”

Sierra forced herself to look bored.

She glanced down at her pocket, then back at Kason.

“I thought so.” She casually returned the items to her pocket and slipped into the sterile uniform.

Sierra walked silently, forcing herself to look interested instead of horrified.

Finished

Chapter 223 The Descent

Through the glass, she saw rows of animals in cages–cats, dogs, primates

Some were barely alive.

She stopped in front of a particular cage.

Inside, a dog lay on its side, body covered in fresh wounds.

Tears leaked from its eyes.

Kason followed her gaze.

“Oh, that one!” He grinned.

Finished

It’s part of a study on loyalty. We found a stray owned by someone. Beat the owner in front of the dog, punished them until they broke

His eyes gleamed with amusement.

You know what happened next? The dog started hurting itself. Scratching, biting–trying to get to them.”

He chuckled. “When we finally dragged the owner away, it refused to eat. Just cried like that.”

Sierra gripped the fabric of her coat so tightly her nails dug into her palms.

Her hand brushed the hidden weapon in her pocket.

She wanted to kill him.

But she wasn’t done gathering evidence yet.

Instead, she let out a breath and lifted her chin.

“Fascinating.” she said smoothly. “Show me more.”

Kason laughed, completely oblivious to the storm brewing behind her eyes.