Chapter: 174
"I land early tomorrow morning. Go ahead and rest. I'll come to you tomorrow if you're free."
"Are you traveling alone?" Jayson inquired.
"Yes," she confirmed.
"I'll pick you up!" Jayson quickly replied, likely fearing her refusal. "The sooner we start, the better our chances to retrieve the data."
Bethany looked down, a wave of self-reproach washing over her.
It seemed she was exploiting Jayson's feelings. She knew he had feelings for her, yet here she was, reaching out for his help without maintaining proper boundaries.
"There's no rush. I'll see you tomorrow whenever you're available. Don't let this disrupt your work on my account."
After sending the message, Bethany put her phone down, feeling a surge of headache and frustration.
Despite Maddie's machinations, she blamed herself for not being more cautious.
She reproached herself for her trustfulness; she had perceived Maddie's antagonism but failed to protect herself.
She had brought this on herself.
Bethany gazed through the airport window at the skyline.
When she first arrived, she was excited to be involved in a core project. Now, she was departing under such distressing circumstances.
Maddie had ruined her idealistic dream, teaching her that success was not easily attained.
Just before boarding her flight, Bethany noticed two missed calls from Jonathan.
She paused, then chose not to respond. Instead, she switched off her phone and proceeded to the check-in counter.
Throughout the journey, Bethany was quiet and looked worn out.
Accepting such a reversal was not easy for anyone.
The plane touched down in Odonset at two in the morning, right on schedule.
She collected her luggage and only turned on her phone as she neared the exit gate.
The first notification that appeared was from Jayson.
"I'm waiting for you at the airport. Contact me once you land, or I'll stay here all night."
The message had been sent three hours earlier.
Jayson had no way of knowing exactly when Bethany's flight would land, only that it was early in the morning. Nonetheless, he arrived at the airport by eleven the previous night to wait for her.