Chapter: 215

“Francine, please don't pressure Jonathan like this. Marriage is a significant commitment; it's only right that he takes his time to think it through. Jonathan, why don't you head back to work? I'll stay here with your mom," Maddie suggested, giving Jonathan a look that urged him to leave.

In the past, Maddie had always stepped in to alleviate pressures on Jonathan in such situations.

Previously, Jonathan believed Maddie wasn't interested in marrying him, hence her interventions. However, he now knew he was wrong.

“There's no need. You should go back to your room and rest. This is a family matter."

Jonathan's tone left no room for ambiguity: Maddie had no place meddling in Bates family affairs.

"I'm sorry." Maddie lowered her head, turned, and was about to leave the room.

Francine quickly interjected, "She is also part of the Bates family. There's no need for her to leave."

As tensions between Francine and Jonathan escalated, with neither willing to back down, Maddie intervened, "Francine, I just remembered I have urgent matters to address. Now that I see you're awake, I feel relieved. I'll return to work and come visit you again after I finish."

With a few steps backward, Maddie exited the ward and closed the door behind her.

Only Francine and Jonathan remained in the ward, surrounded by the continuous beeping of medical equipment and the pervasive smell of disinfectant.

Since her traumatic kidnapping, Francine had battled severe depression. Jonathan had acquiesced to all her demands, except for marrying Maddie.

“What about Maddie makes her unworthy to you? What does that cleaner have that she doesn't?"

"It's time for you to rest," Jonathan replied, his voice deep and hoarse, showing no interest in continuing the argument.

She had just woken up; he didn't want her to get stressed again.

“Jonathan, please, marry Maddie." Francine's tone softened, her approach less confrontational.

Jonathan furrowed his brow, filled with confusion. "Why must I marry her?"

He couldn't believe it was merely for her contributions to the company.

While Maddie was crucial to the legal department, that was just a fraction of the company's operations. Would he be expected to marry anyone who significantly contributed to the company?

Francine just said, “I have my reasons. I'll explain once you're married."

"Then I don't want to know. I need to handle something at the company. I'll return later," Jonathan said and left the ward decisively.

Francine knew her son well; his resolve was clear. But he needed to marry Maddie. She was unable to bear contemplating the consequences if he did not.

Jonathan had just left the hospital and was about to start his car when Nikolas abruptly pulled up in front of him, blocking his way.

He got out and tapped on Jonathan's window. "How is your mother?"

"She's fine."