Chapter: 1079

“Mind your own business!" she shot back.

Jonathan remained silent, a heavy quiet hanging between them.

Bethany rolled her eyes and popped open the beer can with a quick flick.

In an instant, Jonathan drew her into his embrace, the cold beer still clutched in her fingers.

Bethany, in her flat shoes, could only reach up to his shoulder as his coat enveloped her.

“Bethany, don't be stubborn," he murmured.

"I just want a drink. Is that what you call stubbornness?" She wobbled, gripping his waist for balance. Her eyes, clouded by a mix of defiance and clarity, met his. “You always said I was bad at lying. Do you think you're any better?"

Their familiarity made deceit pointless.

“I came back because of Nikolas."

"Oh, I heard his ex-girlfriend's child isn't his, and you were the one who discovered it."

Bethany nodded, feeling sleepy.

Her eyelids drooped as the alcohol dulled her senses, and she struggled to stay awake, her mind battling the pull of sleep.

Feeling Bethany's head droop and her struggles to hold it up, Jonathan sighed deeply.

"You're too drunk. Let me drive you home."

"No... They're still talking! Just.. Just set me down on that bench!"

She weakly pointed to the bench where she had been sitting earlier.

Jonathan grimaced at the strong smell of alcohol and, with a reluctant frown, lifted her into his arms.

The sudden shift made her feel as if she was floating, and her arms instinctively wrapped around his neck.

“What are you doing?" she asked, her voice muffled and confused.

"Close your eyes if you're sleepy," he said softly.

Bethany, irritated and red-faced, pushed against him. “I don't need you to take care of me! Just put me down."

“Then who do you want looking after you?" Jonathan asked, his gaze fixed on her flushed face. "Jayson?"

Bethany could only stare.

So, he had come out because of that message!