Chapter: 17

“Are you in charge of the Zucron Company project?" he asked as soon as the waiter left.

Bethany sat up straight, having been suddenly asked about work. "Yes, that'd be me."

“Have you investigated the company's financial situation?" Jonathan leaned back in his seat as he waited for her answer.

"Yes, I've reviewed their financial data thoroughly, and I'm 100% sure they weren't falsified."

Smiling, he plucked the glass of water from the table and took a slow, deliberate sip. "Bethany, the data may not be false, but that doesn't mean the company is free from financial troubles."

Bethany stared in stunned silence as Jonathan produced a document and slid it across the table.

“Zucron Company's liquid capital stands at fifty million, yet their commitment letter claims eighty million. Who do you think will cover the difference?"

Bethany was at a loss for words.

"You can't rush to finish the project," Jonathan advised, his tone a stark contrast to the harsh reprimand he'd given Carson just the other day.

Bethany bit her lower lip, feeling a bit guilty about her oversight.

But at the same time, she couldn't help but admire Jonathan's capabilities.

She had submitted the project proposal only recently, but he managed to spot the problem at a glance.

ALL of a sudden, Bethany wasn't in the mood to eat; she was itching to go back to the office to conduct a more detailed investigation of Zucron Company.

As though reading her mind, Jonathan put some food on her plate and said patiently, "You can do it after dinner. There's no rush; we have the whole night."

The whole night?

Bethany looked up in astonishment. “Will I be staying with you tonight?"

Raising his thick eyebrows, Jonathan explained, "That way, it'd be more convenient for us to register at the city hall first thing tomorrow morning."

“Well, true, but.. She clenched her fists under the table and summoned the courage to get straight to the point. "I mean, will we live together after getting our marriage license?"

In other words, did she really have to share a bed with him?

"Or what?" Jonathan's response made it seem like the answer to her question was so obvious.

Bethany paused, thinking it through.

To save her mother, Jonathan had to use his connections to reach the best doctors. Moreover, he had to cover substantial surgery and medical fees. Obviously, what he wanted from her was more than just a marriage certificate.

Aimee had once said that men only cared about one thing in life-sex.

Bethany was just too naive to realize it until now.