Chapter: 230

“What if I don't agree to the divorce?" Jonathan asked.

“Mr. Bates, your mother vehemently opposes our relationship. She even confronted my mother in the hospital. I fear what she might do next. Her disdain for me is evident. There's no point in defying her."

"And what about what I want?" Jonathan sighed helplessly. "The termination involves a lot, and calculating the penalties will take some time. I'll get back to you."

After saying that, Jonathan ended the call.

He was not ready to delve into this topic and had grown weary of hearing the word "divorce."

"Jonathan!"

Suddenly, Godfrey's voice boomed from down the hospital corridor.

Jonathan turned, his lips parting to speak, when his father struck him hard across the face.

The slap resonated sharply in the quiet hallway.

"How much trouble do you intend to cause before you're satisfied? Will you only be happy if your mother passes away?" Godfrey asked furiously.

He had never physically disciplined his son; Jonathan had always been obedient and exemplary, excelling in both academics and business, making him a continuous source of pride.

But now, for the sake of a woman, Jonathan had repeatedly driven his mother to the brink of death.

"Don't force me to take drastic measures against Bethany. I'm offering both you and her a chance.”

Having just returned from a trip, Godfrey had planned to have a serious discussion with his son. He understood the pain of parting with someone cherished, but upon receiving news of his wife's dire state right after disembarking, his patience had snapped.

Jonathan's lips pressed into a thin line, yet he showed no signs of yielding or faltering under his father's intense anger.

“If you believe you fully control Bates Group now, and think I can't reach Bethany, you're sorely mistaken," Godfrey declared sharply.

"If you think harming her will resolve this issue, you will regret it," Jonathan responded firmly, his voice steady with resolve and devoid of any compromise.

"You..."

Godfrey raised his hand, ready to strike again.

But seeing the resolve in his son's eyes, he halted abruptly.

He knew that even if he beat him up today, his son would not back down.

“My son, your mother's life now rests in your hands," Godfrey implored.

Jonathan would have preferred if his father had hit him or scolded him. But hearing that pleading tone, he was at a loss for words.

"When you were born, your mother suffered through a difficult delivery. I can still recall her agonizing cries in the hospital. She said, ‘Save my child at all costs!'" Godfrey's eyes were laden with emotion. "I know you love that girl and don't want to let go, but we are talking about your mother. She brought you into this world and risked her life for you. Does all of that mean less to you than this girl?"