Chapter: 1054

"Nobody wants to see it wasn't my mom more than I do."

If it weren't his mother, wouldn't it be wonderful?

Jonathan crouched, cradling his son and daughter close to his chest.

“I'm here to keep my word and change their names."

“Jonathan, you simply can't just abandon your mother's situation!"

Godfrey's voice carried an edge of frustration, his eyes locking onto Jonathan's. “If your mother is truly imprisoned, she won't survive it!"

"I wish she had considered the consequences before going after Bethany's mother instead of leaving the problem to me."

Godfrey's expression darkened. “Are you truly willing to forsake your mother for Bethany's sake?"

"I've made it clear: if she can present proof of her innocence, that's what I want to see most."

He desired it more than Godfrey, more than anyone else!

In the wake of the incident, Jonathan was driven to confront his mother immediately.

But he refrained from coming, already anticipating the tedious Litany of excuses and self-justifications they would hurl at him.

Their responses, drenched in denial and self-defense, promised nothing but tedium.

"I'll confront your mother today!" Godfrey's frustration boiled over, but he wrestled with his impatience, turning to Jonathan once more.

"If... if your mother Lost her composure and became entangled in the murder, can you truly just abandon her?"

"I had no opportunity to intervene when my mother was involved in Bethany's mother's death, and now, I'm not in a position to worry about how Bethany seeks justice."

“Even if she stands guilty in Bethany's eyes, she still deserves your support!"

Jonathan's lips curled into a faint, mirthless smile.

"She gave me life and raised me. There's no denying that. I owe her respect and support as long as she remains trouble-free. But asking me to marry Maddie merely to soothe her own conscience? I can't accept that."

It wasn't Jonathan who owed Maddie anything; it was his mother.

Over the years, the Bates family had gone above and beyond in their tolerance toward Maddie, showering her with wealth, influence, and a prominent position — enough to ensure a life of comfort. Yet, Maddie remained dissatisfied. Whom could she blame for that?

Even if Francine owed Maddie a debt of life, and Jonathan, as her son, was expected to repay it, he had already done so.

“I think you're obsessed with Bethany! You don't even give a thought to your own mother."

"Do not talk about Mommy like that!" Rowan shot back, his face flushing with anger. "My mommy is the greatest person in the world!"