Chapter: 211

This was a gamble! Jonathan would never have considered such a risk before.

If he chose to delay submitting the list, there would be no risk involved. However, if they couldn't clear her name before releasing the list, the partners in Canbidge would surely raise concerns.

If the project faltered, Bates Group would be the first to face the consequences.

Jonathan was securing a guarantee for Bethany, putting the interests of Bates Group at stake.

Even though they were once classmates, was their friendship truly that deep?

When Jonathan exited the meeting room, his assistant was waiting just outside. "Mr. Bates, your flight is booked, but the return is open. Just text me when you're ready to leave Canbidge, and I'll arrange it."

"Okay." Jonathan nodded and made his way to his office. As he opened the door, he found his mother sitting on the sofa, looking very stern.

He glanced at his assistant, who quickly shut the door and left.

“Mom, what's up?" he asked.

"If I hadn't returned this time, would you have ever told me about the woman you have at home?" Francine got straight to the point.

"The woman I saw yesterday wasn't a cleaner, was she? She's your lover, hidden away in your house!"

At the mention of "lover," Jonathan's brow furrowed. "This is my personal matter."

"You're admitting it, then?" Francine stood up and approached him.

"Are you trying to upset me? You're engaged, yet you betray Maddie like this. Maddie is the only one who tolerates it, and she even covers for you!”

Jonathan remained largely unresponsive, apart from his initial frown.

He had anticipated this confrontation might come but hadn't expected it quite so soon.

After a moment, Jonathan walked over to his desk and sat down. "Mom, I don't love Maddie."

“Are you going to be a heartbreaker? Do you realize how much Maddie has contributed to our company? Even your father said that marrying her would be good for your career. Besides, you've known each other since childhood. Your father and Maddie's mother are close. If not her, then who? The cleaner?"

The more Francine spoke, the angrier she got. Suddenly, she clutched her chest.

Her expression grew increasingly painful, and she seemed to struggle for breath.

Seeing this, Jonathan quickly stood up to support her and yelled, “Call an ambulance!"

“I... I'm going to be driven mad by you..." Francine managed to say, even in her distressed state.

Yet Jonathan remained steadfast, his lips pressed tightly together as he accompanied her to the ambulance.

Thankfully, her heart condition wasn't severe, but her depression showed signs of worsening.