Chapter: 191

"I won't hold it against Mr. Bates," Bethany texted.

"Mr. Bates rushed back to Odonset overnight because of your situation. Despite the urgency of matters in Canbidge, he said he'll return in a few days. This shows his commitment to resolving this issue."

Bethany smiled, looking at her computer screen, yet feeling somewhat perplexed.

Was Jonathan making such efforts to clear her name, or was he more concerned about protecting Maddie's reputation?

And what did he mean by his desire to protect her?

Bethany contemplated these questions briefly but soon redirected her focus.

She prepared herself and left her office, heading straight for the legal department.

"Hello, is Maddie in today?" she inquired of a female employee as soon as she exited the elevator.

The employee, clearly cognizant of the tension between Bethany and Maddie, displayed a flicker of excitement in her eyes, as though she was witnessing a live drama. “What do you need with her?"

“It concerns the investigation. I need to speak with her privately."

Bethany maintained her composure.

The employee glanced around nervously. "I'll see if she is available. She's here, but I can't promise she'll have time for you."

“Thank you."

Bethany waited patiently. After a few minutes, the employee hurried back.

"She will see you now."

“Thanks.”

Bethany approached Maddie's office, knocked, and entered upon hearing a reply.

Maddie looked up, her expression warm as she saw Bethany. "I didn't expect you'd come to see me."

“Neither did I," Bethany responded, noticing the similarity in their features for perhaps the first time. She offered a rueful smile.

“It's strange. When we first met, I didn't see it at all."

Maddie's hand froze mid-motion, pen in grasp.

After a brief pause, she resumed writing.

"You think that day was our first meeting?" she asked.

Bethany met her gaze but remained silent.