Chapter: 199

After a moment of thought, Bethany decided to be honest. "Mr. Bates hasn't brought any girls here... except for me."

"You don't count! I mean this girl." Francine then produced a photo of Maddie and showed it to Bethany.

Bethany remained silent, her expression one of surprise.

Seeing her reaction, Francine eagerly pressed, “Has she been here before?"

“Well... perhaps I just haven't encountered her..."

“This is his fiancee. I came back to attend their wedding."

Although Bethany had some inkling about the nature of Jonathan and Maddie's relationship, it had remained a nebulous guess until Francine's confirmation.

She almost wanted to laugh at herself.

She had felt a twinge of excitement when Jonathan insisted he and Maddie were merely in a professional relationship.

It turned out he had lied.

"Are they a perfect match?" Francine, oblivious to the turmoil on Bethany's face, was eager to see Jonathan married off to Maddie as quickly as possible.

"Yes, they are a perfect match." Bethany gave a stiff nod. After checking the time, she informed Francine, “I've completed my tasks here, so I'll be leaving now. Please let Mr. Bates know."

"Okay." Francine, satisfied with the cleanliness of the house, nodded her approval for Bethany to go.

After all, it was not appropriate for her to force her son to marry Maddie in front of an outsider.

Upon leaving East Shade Bay, Bethany checked into a nearby hotel, having brought no luggage with her.

After a refreshing shower, she lay on the hotel bed.

Restless, she turned over several times before finally calling Aimee.

"Aimee, what does it mean if a man has a woman in his heart but lies about never having been involved with her?"

"You're still too naive, aren't you? He's just trying to keep you around a bit longer-that's why he lied," Aimee remarked, seemingly distracted by a snack. “Bethany, it sounds like you've fallen for him. Who is this guy? I'm dying to know."

"It's not important. He's just someone I'm seeing on a contractual basis. We're both getting what we need out of it."

Aimee chuckled and responded, "Look at you, either too old-fashioned or so open-minded. I have to say, I admire that. But about this guy? Sounds like a real piece of work. Don't fall for him."

Bethany instinctively placed her hand over her heart.

Had she fallen for Jonathan?

"Hey, Bethany!" Aimee called out.