Chapter: 228

After a lengthy silence, Francine finally spoke, her voice trembling.

“For that woman, you would disregard even your mother's life?"

"Mom, I'm willing to compromise on anything but this," Jonathan replied firmly.

"There is no anything else! I will not accept Bethany into the Bates family! It's either her or me!" Francine's voice grew agitated, her breathing labored, struggling to finish her sentence.

The heart monitor began to emit a sharp, continuous beep, prompting the doctor to hurry in for resuscitation.

Jonathan's expression darkened as he assisted the doctor in moving his mother to the emergency room.

This was the third such incident in just a few days.

Her attending doctor had insisted on a meeting with Jonathan right there in the emergency room.

"I've emphasized repeatedly that the patient must avoid any emotional stress. Why would you provoke her?" the doctor inquired.

Jonathan remained silent, his tall figure standing resolutely in front of the bench.

“For your mother's recovery, we need cooperation from both the medical team and the family. If something happens, the hospital can't be held accountable." The doctor sighed. "Her condition is critical. She's prone to self-harm. Before each session of psychological counseling, I have to ensure the environment is calm, playing soothing music and speaking gently to prevent any distress."

Doctors abroad had repeatedly emphasized the same concerns.

If not for his mother's fragile health, Jonathan might not have even contemplated marrying Maddie initially.

At that time, he hadn't met Bethany and was primarily focused on stabilizing his mother's condition. But now, things were different.

He had made significant efforts to marry Bethany. Giving up on that was not an option.

Jonathan stood outside the emergency room, lost in thought, when his phone rang.

It was Bethany calling!

She seldom reached out first.

Given the timing, Jonathan braced for potentially troubling news.

With a brief pause, he answered.

“Mr. Bates, are you free tomorrow?" Bethany's voice came through the speaker.

"No," he replied shortly.

“What about the day after tomorrow?"

Jonathan's expression tightened; he could sense the direction this conversation was headed. "My schedule is quite full."