Chapter: 233

“Right now, I'm neutral. There's no need for hostility. Jonathan and I go way back, and he confides in me about things he doesn't tell others." Noticing her skeptical look, he added, "For example, do you remember Kenton Lawrence from Zucron Company? When Jonathan found out you were dealing with him alone, he and I rushed to help you. He wanted to ensure your safety and get you out of that situation.”

Bethany remained silent, absorbing his words.

“Ever wonder how he managed to arrive just in time?" he asked.

Bethany reflected on the situation and realized it was indeed true.

When Kenton harassed her, Jonathan had suddenly appeared and rescued her.

Amid the chaos, Bethany hadn't had time to consider why Jonathan had arrived so promptly; it hadn't even crossed her mind.

“Moreover, after the incident, to shield you from further scandal, Jonathan forewent leveraging the situation to coerce Zucron Company into submission. He feared Kenton might expose the ordeal," Nikolas continued. "You ought to realize the ramifications for a woman if such rumors were to spread."

Bethany was painfully aware of the lasting impact a scandal could have, branding her with an unwarranted stain.

Despite her innocence, she would be thrust into the spotlight, subjected to whispers and false narratives, possibly even accusations of having enticed Kenton.

Her experience in the corporate world had taught her the harsh realities of workplace rumors all too well.

“Why didn't Jonathan tell me all this?" Bethany whispered.

“How would I know? You should be asking him Nikolas shot back."

"There's more he's done for you than you realize. And yet, you've done little in return. You even had another man pose as your husband, which led to his car accident."

Bethany pressed her lips together tightly, her brow creasing. “I had my reasons for that!"

"Your reasons don't matter to me. What does matter is that Jonathan has made significant sacrifices for you. If you don't reciprocate his feelings, you should free him. Let him move on rather than complicating his life."

Bethany remained silent.

"Jonathan's mother has been to the emergency room three times because of the stress from your situation," Nikolas added.

Stunned, Bethany felt as if Nikolas' revelations had upended her world.

She recognized Jonathan's care and the lengths he had gone to for her, but the extent of his behind-the-scenes efforts was now laid bare. She had always taken everything for granted.

Even Brody had recognized Jonathan's dedication.

“But... I always thought he was in love with Maddie..."

Bethany reflected on how everything seemed to point towards Maddie, not her.

“What were you thinking, Bethany? If you cared at all for Jonathan, you'd notice his sincerity towards you. Stop making excuses; I have no interest in them." Nikolas sighed. "There's no point in discussing this further. If you can't return his feelings, you should divorce him quickly."

Her conversation with Nikolas lingered in her mind as she returned to Aimee's house.