Chapter: 1163

As she arranged the bouquet, she noticed an unusual silence.

Jonathan remained on the line, watching as she carefully placed each stem into the vase.

“Don't you have work today?" Bethany inquired cautiously.

“It's still early." Jonathan's voice was slightly hoarse, a reminder of his recent illness.

"Okay."

The conversation stalled once again.

“Have you settled into working with the project department?"

Unexpectedly, Jonathan changed the subject.

"Yes. Everyone is diligent, and you'd expect no less from anyone at Bates Group."

This was a departure from her experiences at Ensson Corporation and Goldwald Company, where the environment and work ethic were markedly different.

As a result, Bethany felt the pressure not to lag behind.

"I'll make sure you get credit for this project.”

"No, it's too big for me to claim alone. After my six-month tenure ends, it will pass to another director, and it wouldn't be right for them not to receive due recognition."

While recognition for leading a major project was crucial, monopolizing it wasn't fair.

It could discourage new directors from engaging fully with a project they couldn't own.

Bethany had enough experience with projects to understand these dynamics.

"You should stay and finish it," Jonathan offered.

"No. With the lawsuit.." She regretted bringing it up as soon as she spoke.

Mentioning their shared, difficult past only reopened old wounds.

"It won't impact your role. You've been leading this project well; no one would contest your completion of it.”

“Thanks for the offer."

It was a tactful denial.

Jonathan fell silent for a few moments before muttering a subdued “okay" and disconnecting the call.

Bethany positioned the flowers in the entryway of her apartment. The presence of lilies meant they couldn't be near her bedroom. The entryway was ideal, greeting her each time she returned home.