Chapter: 209

Bethany preferred to keep the entire ordeal private, but Maddie's persistent pressure left her no choice but to confront the issue head -on.

Maddie had orchestrated the release of the video to Marie and even informed Marie of her stay in hospital, prompting Marie to visit.

Now, without concrete evidence, nobody would take their side.

Moreover, causing a public scene could tarnish Bethany's reputation.

If word got out, even Francine would learn of her supposed betrayal, jeopardizing her standing with the Bates family.

"Maddie, I've come to see you."

Francine entered the ward, dressed in a light purple outfit that underscored her elegance. She carried a pot of homemade soup.

Upon seeing Francine, Maddie attempted to rise.

Francine quickly intervened. "You've just undergone surgery; don't strain yourself. You didn't even tell me you were in the hospital. I had to pry it out of you."

“I didn't want to worry you," Maddie replied, managing a weak smile.

“You need to keep me informed. What happened? Wasn't your operation a success?"

Looking up cautiously, Maddie hesitated before asking, "What has Jonathan told you?"

"He's always busy with the company. He didn't mention anything specific. I called him on my way here, and he mentioned that you accidentally tore your surgical incision again."

She did that by herself?

Upon hearing this, Maddie averted her gaze and murmured, “Oh, he said that."

“Is that true?" Francine observed Maddie's evasion of eye contact.

“Yes. What he said is true."

Francine sensed a hint of deception from her son in this response.

She sighed and gently caressed Maddie's hand. "I know you've endured a lot because of Jonathan. But once you're officially part of the family, I assure you we will treat you well. Jonathan is quite busy. Just yesterday, I visited his house, but he didn't return even after nightfall."

Francine had been to Jonathan's place?

“Did you go inside his house at East Shade Bay?"

"Yes!" Francine recalled another detail. "I was surprised to see that Jonathan has someone cleaning his house now. He has changed quite a bit over the years. I believe his attitude towards you will also improve with time. After all, your contributions to Bates Group haven't gone unnoticed."

Maddie's smile returned as she asked, "Did Jonathan tell you that? That he hired the girl to clean the house?"

"The cleaner herself told me." Francine's brow furrowed as she noted Maddie's smile. "What do you mean? Isn't that girl just a cleaner?"