Chapter: 238

Maddie never anticipated the situation escalating to such a deadlock.

She quickly stood up to intervene and sent a discreet look towards Jonathan.

She then told Godfrey, “Jonathan was just stepping out to buy some fruit. Don't read too much into it! She is his mother. How can he not worry?"

"Really?" Godfrey's gaze turned to Jonathan.

After a tense pause, Jonathan's deep, hoarse voice filled the room.

"I'm going out for a cigarette."

He strode away with long steps, visibly unappreciative of Maddie's attempt to smooth things over.

Francine, visibly upset, closed her eyes. “Even if I disown him, I still want Maddie as our family."

“Let's not get worked up. I'll speak with him later." Godfrey tried to calm Francine, concerned about her health.

Maddie nodded in agreement. “Francine, you need to prioritize your health right now! Everything else can wait. Besides, I've only recently returned from abroad. If we push Jonathan too hard, it might backfire. Maybe we should give it some time."

“He's still involved with Bethany. How can he possibly fall in love with you?"

“I'll find a way to drive a wedge between them." Maddie assured her with a reassuring smile. “Don't worry. We need to be patient. I promise that Jonathan is the only man I will marry."

These words seemed to resonate with Francine, who finally allowed a smile to cross her face.

"You always know how to comfort me! Bethany isn't even fit to be a cleaner in the Bates family!"

After some effort, Maddie and Godfrey managed to stabilize Francine's blood pressure and heart rate. The monitors ceased their alarming beeps.

Once Francine was asleep, Maddie stepped out of the ward.

She looked up to see Jonathan standing at the end of the corridor, smoking.

His tall frame obscured half the moonlight streaming through the window, casting a long shadow on the floor.

Maddie took a deep breath and approached him.

“Believe it or not, I genuinely care for your mother. If you truly do not want to marry me, I won't force you. But you know her condition. Your continued defiance isn't helping-doctors aren't miracle workers."

Jonathan turned slightly, giving her a brief glance with his dark eyes. "Don't bother trying to convince me."

“I'm not here to persuade you, just to offer a suggestion."

When he didn't respond, Maddie continued, "The doctors say your mother must avoid stress. Since you won't end things with Bethany, perhaps we could pretend to be a couple."

"I'm not interested."