Chapter: 21

Jonathan adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, picked up a pen, and signed the document with flourish. "No need. Maddie will handle all those legal affairs once she's back."

"Maddie's coming back?" The secretary's worried tone transformed into relief. "That's fantastic! Nexara Corporation doesn't stand a chance!"

His confidence was well-founded. Over the past few years, Maddie had won every legal case for Bates Group.

The secretary, now relieved, was about to leave when Jonathan stopped him.

“Later, buy some fruit and supplements from the pharmacy and send them to the V1 ward at Central Hospital."

"Got it, Mr. Bates."

After the secretary left, Jonathan reached into his suit jacket pocket and pulled out the marriage certificate.

In the photo, Bethany leaned slightly on his left shoulder, her smile stiff and uncertain.

Jonathan's finger gently traced the image, his gaze lingering on it for a long moment. Then, he stood up and carefully placed the certificate in the safe.

The hospital was still filled with the sharp scent of disinfectant.

Bethany sat in the V1 ward, waiting anxiously. Nearly two hours passed before Marie finally stirred from her deep coma.

This time, she seemed in better condition, and she was even able to raise her hand slightly.

“Mom, you're finally awake! The doctor came by earlier and asked me to sign the surgery consent form. You can have the surgery in a few days!"

Earlier, Bethany's excitement was so intense she had nearly dropped the pen while signing the form.

Marie, however, was nowhere near as excited as Bethany. “Bethany, where did you get the money for the surgery?"

"Well... I borrowed it."

Bethany had to lie through her teeth to hide the truth from her mother.

Then again, it wasn't a total fib to say she borrowed the money, because while Jonathan was paying for the surgery and medical bills now, she planned to pay him back when she had enough.

"The surgery must've cost a fortune. Who would lend you that much money?" Marie tried to stand up, her agitation growing. "Bethany, be honest with me. Did you do something questionable to get the money?"

"What? No!" So as to assuage Marie's worries, Bethany had no choice but to tell another lie. "I have a boyfriend; he's the one who lent me the money."

But Marie couldn't accept this either. "No, we won't push through with the surgery. Return the money to him!"

"Mom!" Bethany wailed helplessly. "If you don't have the surgery, you might not survive!"

"I can't let you borrow money from a man, even if it means I die! Have you Learned nothing? I've told you ever since you were a child that all men are bad. Stay away from them! Especially rich men—they can't be trusted!"

Marie spoke from experience. Before getting married, she had thought that Bethany's father was a good man. But two years into the marriage, he indulged in an affair and even had an illegitimate daughter with another woman.